The park requires a roundtrip walk of about two miles to reach the areas where more unusual species frequent. The first half-mile proceeds down a ravine of mixed deciduous woods. Towhees and jays actively call on this stretch and warblers and vireos make appearances, too.
As the trail turns to parallel the beach, the habitat changes to Pacific Madrone, salal and huckleberry. This area receives more sun, lots of birds and Western Fence Lizards use the slope. One observer noted a Rubber Boa along the trail. Rufous and Anna's Hummingbirds abound among the honeysuckle. Anna's Hummingbird, Bushtit and Hutton's Vireo nest adjacent to this stretch of the trail. Swainson's Thrushes sing in the lower Red Alder patches.
At the bottom of the trail where a flat grassy and brushy area meets the dry hillside, Killdeer nest. Goldfinches, House Finches, Black-headed Grosbeaks and White-crowned Sparrows sing in the breeding season. Lincoln's Sparrows visit in winter. A Lazuli Bunting stopped by in 2001. A long dock reaches out into the water providing opportunities to view loons and waterfowl. Spotted Sandpipers appear occasionally along this stretch of beach.
From the stop sign at the intersection of Quartermaster Drive and Dockton Road denoting the beginning of Maury Island, head towards Pt. Robinson, going 2 miles before turning right or south on 59th. Watch for 244th on the east or left side and turn onto it. The small parking lot for the park sits on the right at 0.3 miles. Park and walk past the gate down the gravel road.
From Birds of Vashon Island by Ed Swan, Vashon birding guide 206-463-7976
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