McLane Creek Field Trip

About this event

LOCATION: McLane Creek Nature Trail (We will meet at the Mud Bay Park and Ride)

WHEN: Sunday, November 22, 2026, 8:00 am – 11 am

TRIP LEADER: Abby Salmon

CONTACT: This field trip will be limited to 10 people. Please register by emailing abby.salmon20@gmail.com . If you have a Discover Pass, please let me know if you will be willing to drive a few others to the trailhead.

DESCRIPTION: Join us at McLane creek on Sunday, November 22, for a field trip focused on birds and the return of the chum salmon!

The trail is between 1.5 and 2 miles, depending on which viewing platforms we stop at. It is mostly level, but it can be muddy in some places. Most of the trail is not wheelchair accessible. Contact abby.salmon20@gmail.com if you have questions about accessibility.

One of the main features of this trail is the beaver pond. We are likely to see Belted Kingfisher, Pied-billed Grebe, and a variety of duck species. It can be a good place to spot Virginia Rail. In the forest, we may see a variety of woodpeckers, and forest passerines such as wrens, thrushes, kinglets, and more. Owl sightings are also possible, though less likely.

At McLane Creek itself, we will look for the spawning chum salmon. These salmon have spent the last 3-4 years at sea, feeding on plankton, and are now returning to spawn in the stream where they were born. Viewing areas will allow us to see these spawning salmon up close. We may witness them digging and guarding their redds (‘nests’), fighting for access to mates, and preparing to spawn. They are very expressive, and we will focus on reading their behavior.

American Dippers have also been seen at the creek during November, but they are considered uncommon.

This field trip will occur rain or shine (or snow) so please check the weather forecast up until the day of so that you can come prepared!

WHAT TO BRING: Please dress for the weather. Bringing rain gear is always a good idea during November, our rainiest month of the year. The trail can have some muddy spots, so hiking boots or similar shoes are recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them. There won’t be many good opportunities to use a spotting scope on this trail. Bring snacks and water if you would like.

MEETING LOCATION: We will meet at the Mud Bay Park and Ride by 8:15 am. ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/ Vmp21tDLsBTmHLFy8 ). The McLane Creek parking lot can fill up very quickly on weekends, so we will carpool to reduce our impact on the small parking area. There is a pit toilet located at the trailhead.

Photo: Male Wood Duck at McLane Creek beaver pond. Credit: Drew Walker.

From Abby Salmon