Birds of the Elwha River
Trip 1: Sunday April 13, 2025 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Trip 2: Sunday April 13, 2025 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Meets at Elwha River Mouth parking lot, at the north end of Place Road
Price: $40.00
One of the greatest river restoration projects in the United States occurred right here at the Elwha River, with the removal of two dams between 2011 and 2014. These birding trips focus on the birds associated with the new river, from saltwater habitats at the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the historic site of the lower reservoir, Lake Aldwell. Birds quickly responded to habitat changes when the dams came out, as the river scoured new channels in former lake beds and dumped huge sediment deposits at the river’s mouth. Riparian forests are filling in the former lake bottoms, providing new nesting habitats for resident and migrant birds. See how birds and the river have changed since the dams’ removals. Some locations we visit will include walking on beaches, trails, and cobbles. Dress in layers, be prepared for possible rain, bring snacks and extra water for this new adventure.
