Visiting Duckabush Oxbow and Wetlands Preserve
Visiting Duckabush Oxbow and Wetlands Preserve
Activities:
What You’ll See
The Duckabush Oxbow and Wetlands Preserve runs about a third of a mile along the north side of the Duckabush River, providing salmon spawning and rearing habitat. It includes an oxbow pond that links up with the river when it floods, providing important refuge to salmon.
Mature, second-growth and low-elevation forests are present throughout the preserve. The main trail travels through an open elk meadow before entering a forested area that leads down to the river and along the river to the oxbow pond.
Visitor Information
Allowed
Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing per Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations, and group use by pre-arrangement. Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times for the safety of other visitors and wildlife. Please remain on the trails and clean up after your pet 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 short information form and a staff member will get back to you about the proposed group/special use: Duckabush Oxbow Group Request Form.
Not Allowed
Biking, motorized vehicle use, horseback riding, hunting, camping, fires, trash dumping, and tree cutting.
Amenities
There are currently no amenities at Duckabush Oxbow and Wetlands Preserve.
Trails
Here’s a trail map and field guide to assist with your exploration
Main River Trail
A 0.8-mile (23 minute) dirt surfaced pedestrian trail leads from the parking area, through an elk meadow, to a stop at a large gravel river bar, and along a riverside forest to another open meadow. The 2- to 8-foot-wide trail is moderately sloped, with an approximately 0.1-mile section approaching a 20% slope as visitors walk down to the river from the parking area.
Side Channel Overlook Trail
An 8-minute trail that splits from the Main River Trail, just beyond the elk meadow opening, to a small outlook of the river and side channel. The trail is 2 to 3 feet wide, with a dirt surface, some roots to navigate. The gradient is generally under 5% with a 50-foot-long section approaching 20% as the trail descends from meadow to river side channel.
Getting There
Operating Hours/Season
Open from May 1st to November 30th, from dawn to dusk. Day use only.
Address
Directions
- From Port Townsend, drive south on Highway 20.
- Follow Highway 101 south to Brinnon.
- Turn right onto Duckabush Road and continue for about 1 mile to the gravel parking area beneath the power lines on the left.
Parking
Space for up to 5 cars. Please do not park along Duckabush Road or in neighboring driveways or use neighboring driveways as turnarounds.
#RecreateResponsibly
Avoid crowds: If the parking lot is full, please make plans to return another day.
Learn About The Protection of this Property
Duckabush Oxbow and Wetlands Preserve
The Duckabush Oxbow and Wetlands Preserve runs about a third of a mile along the north side of the Duckabush River, and includes an oxbow pond that sometimes links up with the river when it floods. North of the floodplain, a forested slope rises toward Duckabush Road.