Railroad Bridge Park

IBA (Important Birding Area)

Directions: From US 101 in Sequim head north on River Road for 0.1 mile bearing right onto W Washington Street. Then in 0.1 mile turn left onto N. Priest Road and drive 0.6 mile. Turn left onto W Hendrickson Road and continue for 0.7 mile to park.

Ownership: Sequim Parks
Trail Distance: minimal
Difficulty: easy and ADA accessible
Fees/Permits: none
Notes: Dogs on leash. Restrooms available. Park is home to Dungeness River Audubon Center and provides access to North Olympic Discovery Trail.

Sequim’s Railroad Bridge Park consists of 28 acres of riparian forest along the salmon-spawning Dungeness River. The park provides access to the 130-mile long North Olympic Discovery Trail, consisting of former railroad lines. Here the trail crosses the river on a restored 1915-built bridge—the longest bridge spanning the river. Walk along the trail and across the bridge for good birdwatching opportunities.

Many songbirds breed in and near the park including: evening grosbeaks, western tanagers, and several flycatchers and vireos species.  In and along the river look for American dippers, belted kingfishers, and common mergansers. Bald eagles can often be spotted in the tall cottonwoods lining the river. Several species of woodpeckers, owls, and swallows are also commonly seen in the park.

Be sure to check out the park’s Dungeness River Audubon Center which hosts interpretive displays and exhibits.  The interpretive center features 500 mounted bird species and year-round programs for the whole family, including morning bird walks. During COVID shutdowns the center is closed to the public and not hosting in-person programs but still providing an extensive array of online sessions including classes on “Beginning Birding.”