Chehalis River Surge Plain NAP (RD) 2006
Description:
The Chehalis River Surge Plain Natural Area Preserve supports high quality Sitka spruce dominated wetlands laced with saltwater influenced slough channels. The development project will improve public water access in the buffer areas of the preserve, while protecting and restoring riparian wetlands. The three project areas include:
Preacher's Slough Road river access is a site where existing de-facto parking near the river will be developed into a gravel parking area with wheel stops and information and rules signs. From the parking area, a 3 ft wide, approximately 1,900 ft gravel trail will provide walk-in Chehalis river bank access.
The existing interpretive trail (constructed on a former railroad grade) between Preacher's Slough Road and the Blue Slough access will be fully upgraded and brought up to minimum ADA standards for compact rock trails.
The Blue Slough trailhead will be developed for limited parking and waterfront access with a car top boat launch.
Public input will be incorporated as the project is designed and implemented.
From Montesano, take HWY 107 south toward Raymond. approximately 4 miles from montesano turn right Preacher's Slough road follow this to first turnout on right, which leads to river access. Blue slough access is approximately 4 miles west of Preacher's Slough road on Blue slough road. This relatively undeveloped access usually has flagging near the road; it also has a white gate normally left open. The trail runs on the former railroad grade between this these two points.
