What are the current parking conditions at Union Bay Natural Area?

Parking at the Montlake Fill lot now requires registration for the free 2-hour period, or payment via "Events" meters. Street parking is also available but has time restrictions, especially between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. as of [August 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-06.093429001788). The most recent reports suggest street parking was available without issue for early morning birding groups on [September 17](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-17.111427597700) and September 6.

Are there any significant trail obstacles?

One report from [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-06.114356436415) mentioned a large downed tree across the path in the Yesler Swamp area, but it was noted as passable by stepping around it or taking an alternate route. Otherwise, trails are described as dry and in good condition with no significant obstacles as of [September 17](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-17.111427597700).

What wildlife has been commonly observed recently?

Raccoons have been seen playing and wading along the shore by multiple visitors, with reports on [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-06.114356436415) and [August 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-13.112408603329). Great blue herons and green herons have also been frequently observed, sometimes in close proximity, as noted on September 17 and September 6.

Are there any issues with insects or other biting creatures?

Bugs were not a significant issue for most recent visitors, with reports from [September 17](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-17.111427597700), [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-06.114356436415), and August 13 stating no bugs or that they were not too bad. However, a report from August 6 noted the presence of biting ants, wasps, hornets, and some mosquitoes in the Yesler Swamp area, advising insect repellent or protective clothing.

Union Bay Natural Area

Puget Sound and Islands

updated 1 week ago

Union Bay Natural Area is experiencing excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly for waterfowl and migrating warblers, as reported on September 17 and September 6. The trails are dry and in good condition. Parking at the Montlake Fill lot has changed, with new pay-for-parking "Events" meters; while a free 2-hour period is available, registration is required, or street parking with time restrictions can be utilized. Raccoons have been frequently spotted, as have great blue herons and green herons. Yesler Swamp is a noted location for wildlife viewing, though overgrown cattails can make observation challenging at times.

Generated from 21 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Union Bay Natural Area

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

Parking at the Montlake Fill lot now requires registration for the free 2-hour period, or payment via "Events" meters. Street parking is also available but has time restrictions, especially between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. as of August 6. The most recent reports suggest street parking was available without issue for early morning birding groups on September 17 and September 6.