Southern Grays Harbor Estuary
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Overview
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#1
Chehalis River Surge Plain
What's salty part of the day, freshwater the other half of the day, and full of birds at all times? The Surge Plain is preserved by the Department of Natural Resources for its unique hydrology; the forest that grows has adapted to live in brackish waters. Explore one of Washington's last remaining areas of this type on an easy walk through the shade.
On your way from the Chehalis River to Johns River, get a drink and snack at the Brass Hub in Cosmopolis.
#2
Johns River
Head downriver along the southern side of the Grays Harbor Estuary and you'll transition from a mixture of fresh and saltwater habitat into full saltwater marshes. Johns River is a nice spot for an easy stroll through a marshland habitat that hosts resident and migratory birds during different seasons. Bring your binoculars!
A bog, a marsh, and a fen pile into a bar.
The bartender says – Whoa! Now I'm swamped.
#3
Cranberry Bogs
As you drive along the southern side of the Grays Harbor Estuary you'll pass a large Ocean Spray facility and you'll notice cranberry bogs from the roadside. This type of habitat is the best in Washington for growing these berries. Stop into the Cranberry Museum in Grayland to learn more.
Cranberries are just one of the many fruits growing naturally in Grays Harbor. Depending on the season, you'll be able to find salmonberries, blackberries, blueberries, huckleberries, and thimbleberries, all from public trails.
#4
Westport Marina & Salmon Pens
Arrive in Westport and you'll see, tucked around street corners and peeking out of warehouses, evidence of one of the nation's biggest fishing ports! In springtime every year, the marina plays host to salmon (in fish pens) before they are released into the ocean. But there's opportunities at all times to charter a boat and catch yourself dinner.
#5
Go Further
From the marina, it's not far to the Westport Lighthouse and the adjacent state park where you can appreciate some of the best surfing that Grays Harbor has to offer. Lodging in Westport includes camping in the state park as well as hotels and motels in town.
Continue Your Discovery
Touch whale bones, examine shipwreck artifacts and connect with the coast's living history.
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Community
When students are proud to grow up here, they'll be proud to live here as adults. Adults that are proud to live here are proud to be members of the CIC community.
