Located at the south end of Belfair, the 139 acres of protected salt marsh estuary and wetlands are well-suited for walkers, birders, and nature enthusiasts of all ages.
More than 3 miles of maintained trails facilitate viewing and exploration on elevated wooden walkways over boggy wetland areas and salt marsh. Take caution on wet or icy days, as these boardwalks can become slippery. Other pathways are dirt or gravel, with very little elevation change.
This area’s modern history is interesting, too. In, 1935, Sam Theler purchased 500 acres from Puget Mill Co. He and his wife, Mary, had no kids but were dedicated to promoting the wellbeing and education of other children. The couple donated many parcels to various groups in support of the community, including giving the wetlands area to the North Mason County School District with the intent to provide public education and recreation.
Several years ago, management of the acreage transferred from the school district to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Two classroom buildings now provide indoor educational space for North Mason School District as well as other groups. The setting is indeed unique in many ways, including .the skeleton of a gray whale that once had washed ashore and is suspended from the covered patio connecting the classroom buildings. The Skokomish Indian Tribe and Fish and Wildlife combined efforts with the Hood Canal Watershed Project to preserve the skeleton, which is over 27 feet long.
Many informational kiosks exist to inform the reader of subjects important to the outdoor environment. Bees, butterflies, and bats are subjects of these trailside kiosks. The life cycle of salmon is portrayed at one display, and a large whale-shaped mural beautifully portrays the diversity of life found in the environment.
Rock Wall Trail
Just south of the learning center is the Rock Wall Trail, just an eighth of a mile long. At the entrance to the trail is an ironwork gate, and surrounding the walkway are red alder, western red cedar, bigleaf maple, sword ferns, bracken ferns, skunk cabbage, snowberry, willow, red osier dogwood, and sedges. Small birds, frogs, slugs, and snails can be spotted here.
South Tidal Marsh Trail
The quarter-mile long South Tidal Marsh Trail is also on the grounds — an elevated boardwalk that ends at a viewing station. From the trees of the boggy woods, the trail leads toward Hood Canal, over cattails and sedges. This is a great spot to observe red-winged blackbirds in their courting and nesting seasons. Marsh wrens, sparrows, and other small birds flit around in the vegetation. The viewing platform provides an excellent view southwest to Union. Great blue herons and hawks may be spotted searching for a meal. Binoculars assist in viewing gulls and various sandpipers along the shore.
River Estuary Trail
Along elevated dikes here, you’ll find the River Estuary Trail — a 1.5-mile dirt-and-gravel path that crosses the Union River where returning salmon can access the estuary. The environment is affected by tides from Hood Canal and seasonal water level changes in the Union River. The dikes are to be replaced with elevated boardwalks, permitting the infiltration of salt water to this area. This is being done for juvenile salmon protection from predators and strong water currents. It also opens the area to other species which thrive in this environment. Shorebirds and waterfowl, as well as the smaller vertebrates and invertebrates which are their food will be present.
The trail’s bridge is a great spot for birding. Belted kingfishers, killdeer, ducks, and geese can be observed, along with great blue herons and the occasional bald eagle. Low tide reveals nooks and crannies along the canal bank of the opposite shore, possible sites for river otters and muskrat, and leaves exposed mud that reveals prints and tracks of visiting mammals and birds.
Native plants along this trail include crabapple, native hawthorn, serviceberry, ninebark, and ocean spray. Passing the Salmon Center and Farm at Water’s Edge, the vegetation includes snowberry, currant, mahonia, spirea, bald hip rose, and Nootka rose. These create a type of hedgerow, offering protection, forage, and shelter for birds and small mammals.
Alder Cedar Swamp Trail
On an elevated boardwalk, the Alder Cedar Swamp Trail is a quarter-mile of mosses, ferns, and skunk cabbage under red alder and western red cedar trees. The dark amber colored water is from decomposing vegetation. Slugs, snails and frogs are found in this habitat.
Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve is now managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, as part of the Union River Wildlife Area. A partnership of organizations work together to protect and enhance this area of Hood Canal. The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group operates the Salmon Center, focusing on education about this vital resource.
