Johnson Point & Woodard Bay loop

Komoot classifies this route as a "Hard bike ride", meaning it requires very good fitness. While some trails within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area are easier, the full 56.2 km loop includes segments that are unpaved, difficult, and potentially muddy, which might require you to push your bike at times.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find paved sections, including a wide paved road within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, as well as forested loops and crushed-rock, barrier-free trails. Other parts of the loop, particularly old roads, are hard-packed gravel, which can be covered with leaves and pine needles in fall and winter. Be prepared for some unpaved and potentially muddy sections on the broader route.

The Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area is a significant wildlife sanctuary. You might spot harbor seals resting on log booms, and during spring and summer evenings, thousands of bats emerge from the old railroad trestle, which is Washington State's largest known bat colony. The area also hosts a significant heron rookery and provides habitat for bald eagles, cormorants, river otters, beavers, and various shorebirds and songbirds.

Yes, parts of the trail, especially within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, may have seasonal closures to protect nesting birds. It's always a good idea to check local conditions before you go, especially during nesting seasons.

Spring and summer offer the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly for bats emerging at dusk from the old railroad trestle. However, be aware that some trail sections may be covered with fallen leaves and pine needles in the fall and winter, and muddy conditions can occur in forested areas during wetter months.

Yes, the route incorporates significant sections of the Chehalis Western Trail. You'll also encounter smaller portions of trails like the Loop Trail, Ellis Cove Trail, Mission Creek Estuary Trail, and the Rose Garden Trail.

Parking is available at various access points along the loop. For the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, a Discover Pass is required for parking. Specific trailhead parking details can often be found on local park websites or mapping services.

While there isn't a general entrance fee for the entire loop, a Discover Pass is required for parking at the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area. This pass supports Washington's state parks and recreation lands. You can find more information about the Discover Pass on the official wa.gov website.

No, dogs are not permitted within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area to protect the abundant wildlife. If you plan to cycle with a dog, you will need to find alternative routes that do not enter this conservation area.

You'll encounter several interesting spots. The route offers stunning views of Puget Sound and Chapman Bay, with the Olympic Mountains visible on clear days. Key highlights include Johnson Point, Woodard Bay, and the Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery. There's also a notable old railroad trestle that spans the water, which is home to a large bat colony.

While specific bus routes directly to all points of the loop might be limited, you can research Intercity Transit bus routes that serve the Olympia area. Some routes may get you closer to access points for the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area or the Chehalis Western Trail, which forms part of the loop.