Theler Wetlands Trail

Length: Four miles of accessible, crushed gravel and boardwalk trails.

Level of difficulty: Easy and level.

Setting: This award-winning, 135-acre preserve lies where the Union River empties into the end of Hood Canal, a 60-mile extension of Puget Sound (the name is probably a tweaking of explorer Capt. George Vancouver's initial moniker of "Hood's Channel"). This estuary, where the freshwater of a river flows into saltwater, provides a rich nursery for many types of young fish and invertebrates. It's also a prime spot for birding (I once spotted 20 great blue herons on one of the trails). To augment your wildlife observations, read the interpretive signs and visit the education center with its adjoining native plant garden.

Highlights: Shortly past the trailhead, visitors walk through whimsically carved wooden gates to the education center (used daily by school groups), and out to the extensive boardwalks and viewing platforms that extend far into the marshes. Those interested in the nature world can find varied opportunities here for recreation, education and research. Look for signs of muskrat, weasel, beaver, red fox and river otter (note the otters' slides down the riverbank to the water). Because it is susceptible to pollution due to poor water circulation (caused by an underwater ridge, or sill, that lies at the entrance to the canal), researchers are studying the canal to learn how to protect its wildlife and habitats.

Facilities: Restrooms, water and phone at education center and community center.

Restrictions: No bikes or pets.

Directions: From Bremerton, go west on Highway 304 to Highway 3 and drive nine miles south to Belfair. Near the south end of Belfair, look for the Mary E. Theler Community Center on the right, across from Belfair Elementary School. The trailhead is behind the center.

Information: 360-275-0721 for the education center, 360-275-4898 for the community center, hood.hctc.com/~hcwater/.

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