Enjoy this glorious place. It is one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries in the region. There is no other place in the tri-county area where you can observe the behavior of herons so clearly. And this year (for better or for worse for the herons) we'll watch the dynamics between the herons and a pair of nesting bald eagles.

Don't forget your binoculars!

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Directions from Seattle on I-5
Take I-5 South to exit #157, Martin Luther King Way East/900 East, which takes you east on SR 900. Stay on 900 for 2.9 miles.

The second stoplight is 68th Avenue South -- turn right.  You'll go down a windy wooded hill.  The name of the road will change to SW Oakesdale.  At the bottom of the hill, you'll cross railroad tracks. 

Drive the equivalent of 2-3 blocks after you cross the tracks. Black River will be on your left. Turn left into the small parking area. See After You Park, below, to learn where to go next.

Directions from I-405
Take I-405 to the Interurban/West Valley exit and turn east on Grady Way. At the first traffic light, turn left on to SW Oakesdale. At the next light, go straight. Drive the equivalent of 3 long blocks until you see the small parking area on your right. See After You Park, below, to learn where to go next. 

After you park

Walk north along the grassy path following it down the short hill (total distance about 100 yards). At the base of the hill is a trail. Follow the trail to the right for another 150 yards or so. The nests are in the tall cottonwood trees across the pond.

Note: If you park in locations other than the small parking lot along Oakesdale (as described in the directions above), use the following directions:  

If, for example, you park in the Oakesdale Center parking lot at 600 Oakesdale SW, walk one block north on Oakesdale, crossing the small overpass over the creek. Black River is to your right. At the end of the overpass is a paved bicycle path. Follow the bike path down the short hill. At the bottom of the hill, turn LEFT off the paved path and onto the grass trail. As you walk along the path, notice the many other animals and animal trails you may see there. The heron viewing area is the equivalent of about two blocks. You should see the nests or hear the birds, depending on the time of year. Once the trees leaf out, you may not be able to see the nests but should hear the herons if it's nesting season (March - July or August. The trees leaf out mid-April.).

*** TIP ***
To clearly view the herons, you will need binoculars. A spotting scope will make your viewing better still. Do not attempt to get close to the birds or their nests. They are extremely shy and want to be as far away from people and dogs as possible.

As you walk along the path, pay attention to the other birds and animal trails you'll also see there. (See About Us.)

If you use a wheelchair

The viewing area to see the herons is wheelchair accessible if you have someone helping along the unpaved path.

The unpaved portion is about three blocks round trip if you park by the Black River Riparian Forest sign along Oakesdale and use the paved bicycle path for access. At the bottom of the short hill, turn left, off the paved bike path and onto the grassy path. Continue the equivalent of ~2 blocks to the viewing area. The path bends to the left (west) and soon after, you are looking across the P1 Pond into the nesting trees. 

When you visit

As with any undeveloped urban wildlife area, take common sense precautions:

• Do not go alone.
• Take your cell phone and know exactly where you are should you need to call 911.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Trust your gut. If something or someone causes you to feel uncomfortable, leave immediately. Don’t wait for confirmation. You can always come back another time.