Audubon Trail Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Wildlife

This short, paved trail system is designed for viewing wildlife. Several benches in strategic locations make great places relax while bird watching. There is a raised viewing platform that we always enjoy visiting. Strollers and even wheelchairs can come along on these trails. A short section of boardwalk over one of the wet areas adds a little excitement to the trail.

Parking is available across the street by the playground.

Start by heading east on the Mulberry Loop. A viewpoint with a bench comes up pretty quick on the right. Up the small slope and around the bend, you'll come closer to the adjacent freeway. As you head west you'll come to another viewing area to the right. It's not unusual to find deer footprints in this area. All along the trail there is evidence of rabbits, birds, and other wildlife. Kids enjoy identifying any scat they find here. Continuing east, you'll continue onto the Monarch Loop passing the East Pass that leads back to the trailhead. Before coming to the next intersection, sit for a minute at "The Outpost"—a covered, shielded sitting area. Upon reaching the Chickadee Loop, hike down the West Pass to the overlook. In the past there have been stinging nettle near the overlook, which make a good opportunity to teach your kids about plants. Going back up the West Pass and heading around the Chickadee Loop you'll find a mostly shady area with lots of trees and may no longer notice the freeway. Rounding the bend and heading back east you'll come to an alternate entrance to the trail from a small park area. Now, on the stretch back to the trailhead you'll hike on the boardwalk over the more marshy parts of the area. On the last section of the trail before you finish the hike you can read several information displays about history, the great floods in the area, and the Kennewick Man. After reaching the trailhead again, you can hike across the road to the playground, then cross the Sacagawea Heritage Trail to spend time at the "beach."

This is the area where the "Kennewick Man" was found.
History of trail: lowercolumbiabasinaudubon.o…