| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, RI |
|
 | Trails: |
Flint Point Loop, Ocean View Loop |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, March 1, 2014 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
In Middletown on Sachuest Point Road. Very close to Newport. Good parking lot at the top of the hill/end of the road, at the Visitor Center. The small Visitor Center has knowledgeable staff, interesting exhibits, loaner binoculars, good restrooms, and "bubblas." |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trails are in good shape. The ground was partially thawed, which made the trails a little wet but no big deal. The link below is to a printable trail map. The two loops together are just under 3 miles long, and essentially flat. There are multiple shoreline access points too; the rocks at the shore can be very slippery even when dry, but fun to check out and good for tidepooling. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sorry guys, wildlife only. No silly poochies, you don't count. |
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
The prime objective of this trip to Sachuest was to look for snowy owls. These spectacular birds don't make it this far south every winter, only every few years when their arctic food sources are very limited. This winter there have been six of them overwintering at Sachuest. Four have left to fly north again, and we were very lucky to see the two that are left and will be leaving any time. One was sitting/standing on the ground behind the Visitor Center, and the other was on a raised area not far beyond. They are sometimes seen on Island Rocks or at Third Beach. They find rodents, rabbits, and birds to hunt for while they're here.
Besides the snowy owls, we saw lots of winter sea ducks, deer, and plenty of coyote scat. We got to watch one eider duck eat a flounder, which wasn't that easy but worth it for a good meal. |
|
 | Name: |
peaksseeker |
|
 | E-Mail: |
peaksseeker@yahoo.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2014-03-01 |
|
 | Link: |
 https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Rhode_Island_Complex/Saschuest_Point/SachuestPointTrailGuide.pdf |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
