Leadbetter Point State Park - Martha Jordan Birding Trail

WTA began construction of this half mile new trail in 2013. Since then they've built several boardwalks and brushed out a rough corridor leading to a connection with the existing trail system through the forested dunes.

The project was completed by WTA volunteers in 2016. A second phase calls for an extension of the trail southward to a viewing platform.

During the 1950s and 1960s human activity to ditch and drain wetlands on the Long Beach Peninsula severely damaged the Hines Marsh, an important wintering area for Trumpeter Swans and habitat for many other species of wildlife. The swans abandoned the area, but returned in 2003 following an extensive restoration effort by Washington State Parks with help from several other partners including the Trumpeter Swan Society.

Park staff also worked with bird enthusiasts to envision a new trail project that would provide the public an opportunity to visit this unique area by linking it to the existing trail system at Leadbetter Point State Park. The plan calls for 1/2 mile of new trail across forested dunes plus nearly 700 feet of boardwalk across portions of the wetland. One segment will be ADA accessible leading to a viewing platform for visitors to observe the graceful swans, many other bird species and maybe even a black bear.