Visiting Chai-yahk-wh Preserve
Visiting Chai-yahk-wh Preserve
Activities:
What You’ll See
Chai-yahk-wh Preserve features a winding trail through mature Western redcedar, Douglas fir, sword ferns, and seasonal wildflowers. Along the trail, you’ll find a short path to a quiet sitting area to enjoy listening to various bird songs, such as the Swainson’s Thrush and Pileated Woodpecker. An off-trail nature area offers people the opportunity to explore and connect with nature.
Visitor Information
Allowed
Hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature studies group use by pre-arrangement. Dogs are allowed except in off-trail nature studies area and must be kept on a leash at all times for the safety of other visitors and wildlife. Please remain on the trails except in the signed nature studies area to avoid damaging sensitive habitat.
Group or Special Use
To request permission to visit this preserve with your group of 8 or more people, or to propose a special use not listed above, please complete this use request form and a staff member will get back to you about the proposed group/special use.
Not Allowed
Biking, motorized vehicle use, horseback riding, hunting, camping, fires, trash dumping, and tree cutting.
Amenities
There is a bench for resting and quiet contemplation located along the main trail. A wooden bicycle rack is located near the trail entrance.
Trails
Here’s a trail map and field guide to assist with your exploration
Greg Lailsh Memorial Trail
A 0.3-mile (10-minute) dirt surfaced pedestrian trail that leads from the parking area through different forest areas of the preserve. This 3- to 4-foot-wide trail requires navigating roots and seasonally muddy areas, with a gradient of generally less than 5% with 5- to 20-foot-long sections of steep grade.
Getting There
Operating Hours/Season
Open year-round, from dawn to dusk.
Address
Directions
- From Port Townsend, travel south on Rhody Drive and continue onto Hwy 19.
- Turn left at WA116-E/Ness’ Corner Road and continue on WA 116-E toward Flagler Road.
- Cross Indian Island onto Marrowstone Island, continuing left on Flagler Road.
- Proceed approximately 4.6 miles.
- Pass the entrance to Twin Vista Ranch and turn right into the preserve's parking area, across from Griffith Point Road.
Parking
A gravel parking area will accommodate 8-10 vehicles. Please refrain from parking along East Marrowstone Road to ensure public safety.
#RecreateResponsibly
Avoid crowds: If the parking lot is full, please make plans to return another day.
Learn About The Protection of this Property
Chai-yahk-wh Preserve
In the heart of Marrowstone Island lies Chai-yahk-wh Preserve. This 51-acre preserve is part of a habitat and agricultural corridor which stretches from the shoreline much of the way across the island.