Here is a map of the Long Beach Peninsula that has the length of the Discovery Trail Highlighted. At it's start it goes down into the port of Ilwaco and then turns and heads north along the peninsula.
The trail is accessible from various points along the peninsula. This shows one of the access points. They have parking areas and many of them have lavatories and Informative signs. The number 1805 refers to the year 1805 when Lewis and Clark visited this area.
This is just one view of the trail as it winds off towards the south. It is a nice wide trail in excellent condition.
At various points along the trail as well as other locations on the peninsula you will find these bike racks. It is a large fish in the center and welded chains to which you can lock your bike. Along some of the side trails leading over the dunes to the beach are some of these racks as well. Many bikes are seen along the trail and many out on the beach. Here you have the option to lock your bike up and walk along the beach.
This is another view along the trail. Much of the northern portion of the trail is open and passes through the grass along the dunes that lines the beach. In the southern portion we found more trees adjacent to the trail.
At various points along the walk you will find art objects reflecting either the history of the area or in this case the Marine Influence. Here is a large wood carving of Dolphin as if they were rising from the waves.
There are some beautiful homes located here in the Long Beach area. Once you are off the access roads leading to the trail, there are not any homes that we saw right along the trail. These two large homes were set back quite a distance from the trail and on the east side of the trail, not on the side towards the sea. On the peninsula we did not see any homes situated between the trail and the sea.
We saw numerous Song Sparrows along the trail. We did not see a huge amount of bird life; we would not call it a birding trail, certainly not at this time of year. We did find some sparrows, gulls of course, and an eagle or two along with various other feathered species but nothing in great numbers nor a wide diversity.
We are here for most of the month of May. The coastal pine trees are showing new growth. We found these little red buds on the ends of the limbs quite stark in their contrast with the green tree foliage. They appear almost unnatural.
Near the northern end of the trail is this bronzed tree. It is called the William Clark Signature Tree. This is described as being the northern most point that William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame traveled. There is also a seating bench along the trail in close proximity to this tree that marks their northern most progress.
Here is the carving in the tree stating the date and his name. It was a nicely done historical replica.
We are heading south following the trail. The ridges in the distance are at Cape Disappointment State Park where the trail begins.
Looking to the west at one point we can see the Pacific Ocean. It is hidden from view for most of the length of the trail but is readily accessible utilizing various sandy side trails over the dunes.
An enormous number of shorebirds migrate through this area during the spring. These signs appear to have been created in a school contest asking that you leave the shorebirds alone. This one talks of the endangered Snowy Plover
This one asks “Please Don’t Disturb Me”. The shorebirds are passing through here heading north to their breeding grounds in Alaska. They need to rest and refuel as they travel. Disturbing them and or letting your dog chase them just causes them to burn up much needed energy they require for the long journey north.
We took this picture here in the Long Beach area but not right along the trail. It is presented here to show just a small portion of the migration that passes through this area. They certainly need to rest and re-energize as they proceed on their travels.
At one stop along the trail is this bronzed replica of William Clark and a sturgeon that he found one day washed up along the beach. It would seem that one of our Westies, Ozzie, is interested in the overall display or perhaps the fish.
This is just another glance out at the ocean which is readily accessible from the trail.
Here we show one last view of the trail. It is very nicely done with lots of bends and twists and turns and small ups and downs. It is not just a straight line trail; it has a lot of character.
We had shown the Song Sparrow earlier in this post, here we have two crows that were chasing each other and doing various acrobatic maneuvers. They are certainly fun to watch.
We hope you enjoyed this brief look at the Discovery Trail, it is a fascinating walk. If you get over here to the peninsula be sure and walk along a portion of the trail. It is a memorable, worthwhile experience.
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments. All the best – George & Deanna
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