The Mary E. Theler Wetlands protects 139 acres of wildlife-rich estuary at the farthest reaches of fjord-like Hood Canal. Hike on boardwalks and levees across mudflats to the Union River Delta. And be sure to bring your binoculars as you watch for eagles, osprey, herons, swallows, otters, deer, and a plethora of other critters large and small.

The wetlands preserve was one of many legacies that Sam and Mary Theler left to the town of Belfair. The preserve was specifically gifted to the North Mason School District for educating area school children on the importance of wetland ecosystems. But this special place is open to folks of all ages and it makes for an excellent introduction to estuary ecology. Unfortunately the center is currently dealing with economic hardships and the school district is looking for an agency that can properly care and maintain this wonderful resource.

The preserve contains five distinct trails. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) owns several hundred acres of abutting land helping to protect even more of this important ecosystem. Start your hike on the Rock Wall Trail passing under the welcome arch and reaching the Wetlands Project Center in a quarter mile. When open, it’s worth a visit. Children—heck, adults too—will appreciate the hands-on exhibits. The gray whale skeleton will certainly pique some interest. Mosey around the native plant demonstration garden too—a great way to learn about some of the many plants growing in the region.

Then get ready to do some walking. Several trails take off from the center, allowing for out-and-back excursions and a few loops as well. The 0.1 mile (.15 km) Sweetwater Creek Trail loops from the center to the creek passing several interpretive displays. The .25 mile (.4 km) South Tidal Marsh Trail utilizes a long boardwalk to an observation deck at the edge of Hood Canal. Bird watching from this post is excellent, especially of the myriad swallows that nest along the boardwalk. And the views of the southern Olympic Mountain peaks are gorgeous.

The 0.3 mile (0.5 km) Alder Creek Swamp Trail loops back to the nature center after traversing wetlands on a boardwalk. It ties into the 1.5 mile (2.4 km)-long River Estuary Trail, the longest trail in the preserve and the one that really makes this hike. Take it following along an old dike across open wetlands and through a tunnel of shrubs. At its second sharp turn it comes to a junction with a trail leading right across WDFW property. This trail meets up again with the River Estuary Trail in about a half mile. Take it on the return for some variation. The main trail bends left and comes to a long bridge, one of several breaches allowing for restoration of parts of the delta that were diked and farmed in the past. Soon after the bridge, the trail reaches the Union River.

Now follow this nutrient-rich waterway upstream and pass the trail coming in from the WDFW property. Shortly afterward reach a small picnic area and then two spurs at the trail’s terminus. The one left leads to a cedar grove at the river’s edge for prime waterfowl and salmon spawning viewing. Return to the wetlands center and hang around the other trails for sunset—which is divine—or work your way back to the trailhead.

For more details on this hike and many more in the area, pick up a copy of my, Urban Trails Kitsap (Mountaineers Books).

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Award-winning author and hiking expert Craig Romano knows the best places to get out and explore. As a guidebook author of 20 books including many in the immensely popular Day Hiking series from Mountaineers Books, he’s the regional authority on hikes for all four seasons, from the Columbia River Gorge to the North Cascades to the Selkirks.

Be sure to check out his author website, and purchase his hiking guides here.

Photo credits: all photos of Theler Wetlands by Craig Romano.

Location: Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve
Belfair, WA, Kitsap Peninsula
Roundtrip: 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers)
Elevation Gain: minimal
Difficulty: easy
Trail Notes: Dogs prohibited; kid-friendly; ADA accessible; preserve open dawn to dusk
Trail Highlights: exceptional bird watching; delta on Hood Canal

Getting to the Trail
From Seattle: Take Washington State Ferry to Bremerton. Then head west on SR 3 to Belfair proceeding one mile (1.6 km) past the junction with SR 300 to the Mary E. Theler Community Center located on your right. Park at the Community Center; trailhead located at southwest end of parking lot.