Great Places in the Willapa Hills Audubon Area
In support of our group mission it is felt that appreciation for the natural biology and geology of this Audubon area is best reinforced by observing and enjoying it. We think we have some of the most diverse and interesting habitats to be found anywhere in the US. In view of the this we will present in this section several specific areas where over the years exceptional contact with birds and other natural entities has been proven.
1. The Bay Center Area (#1 on map) including the Palix River, Rhodesia Beach, Goose point and many other local habitats in the area. Link will lead to more information on the Bay Center Area.
2. Coal Creek Slough (#2 on map) Visit this wetland by canoe or kayak. "Voyaging through this 600-acre wetland is like going back to a wilder era before white settlers began filling marshes and building cities along the lower Columbia River. It is the largest tract of undiked, unspoiled wetland in Cowlitz County."
3. Ellsworth Drainage and Oldgrowth (#3 on map). This is a watershed area including old-growth trees purchased by the Nature Conservancy. The steep slopes created by igneous Miocene intrusive igneous rock house this remnant of old coastal forest. It is always possible to walk into the Ellsworth Preserve, any time of the year. Access from the lower portion of the Ellsworth creek mouth is at the west end of Parpala Road which has a junction with hwy 101 at the southwest end of Naselle bridge. There are two former logging roads which will take you into the preserve. The first one to the right as you drive on Parpala Road will allow you to penetrate about 2 miles into the area. The second road a little further east on Parpala Road takes up a steep hill to a gate along the BPA power line. One can hike or bicycle from this point into areas of bigger trees. Several photos taken from the area are here.