Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve Trail

The trailhead for the Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve Trail is located at the preserve itself. There is a designated parking area available for visitors. From the parking lot, the trail begins on an old gravel road that descends a short bluff towards the wetlands.

No, dogs are not allowed in the Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve. This regulation is in place to protect the diverse wildlife that calls the preserve home.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Winter is particularly picturesque, with lakes and ponds filled with various bird species like ducks, grebes, and swans. Views tend to be clearer in winter due to lower grass. However, be aware that sections can be muddy or even underwater during periods of high rain or flooding. In summer, the plains at the beginning of the trail can be unshaded and hot.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve Trail. It is open to the public for enjoyment. You can find more information on the Snohomish County Parks and Recreation website.

This is an easy and mostly flat trail, making it suitable for a quiet nature walk rather than a strenuous workout. The path starts on an old gravel road, then transitions through grassy areas and a wooded section. You might encounter fallen logs that require stepping over, and recent erosion has led to some reroutes. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially after rain, as much of the preserve is a floodplain.

The trail is generally easy and flat, making it suitable for families. However, some sections may have fallen logs, muddy patches, or reroutes due to erosion, which could make it challenging for strollers. It's best suited for walking with children rather than pushing a stroller, especially after wet weather.

You'll enjoy diverse scenery including views of Shadow Lake, an oxbow pond rich with birdlife, and another smaller marshy lake. A seasonal waterfall can be spotted near the parking lot. The trail leads through meadows, wooded areas, and along a dike, eventually reaching a gravel bar at Thomas' Eddy on the Snohomish River. It's an exceptional spot for birdwatching, with species like ducks, grebes, swans, herons, and eagles frequently sighted.

The trail is approximately 2 to 3 miles round trip. Given its easy difficulty and minimal elevation gain, most hikers can complete it in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on their pace and how much time they spend observing wildlife or enjoying the scenery.

For this trail, we recommend bringing appropriate footwear for potentially muddy conditions, especially during wetter seasons. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is advisable during summer as some sections are unshaded. Binoculars are highly recommended for birdwatching, as it's a prime location for spotting various species. Don't forget water and snacks.

The preserve is notable for its location along the Snohomish River, featuring an oxbow pond like Shadow Lake, which is a remnant of an old river channel. The area around Thomas' Eddy is characterized by sharp hairpin turns in the river. Historically, the preserve was saved from housing development thanks to the efforts of Bob Heirman and the Snohomish Sportsmen's Association, ensuring its preservation as a critical habitat and public access point to the river.

The Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve Trail is primarily an out-and-back route. You'll follow the path from the trailhead down to the Snohomish River and then return along the same path. There are some smaller intersecting paths within the preserve, but the main route is not a full loop.