Ferndale Road Fields

Photography

Best light

Morning lightOvercast

Recommended focal length

400–600mm

• Swans fly in from night roosts at Lake Terrell and Tennant Lake to feed; arrive early to catch them landing.
• Get low beside the car for an eye-level frame across the field. White birds hold detail best in soft, overcast light; in sun, underexpose slightly.
• Keep your distance from feeding flocks. Swans that raise their heads and start calling are about to flush, and flying costs them energy they need for winter.

Access

Parking

WDFW Nooksack Unit lots on Marine Drive near Ferndale Road, and on Slater Road just east of the Nooksack River bridge. Elsewhere, pull fully off the road.

Trails

A 1.5-mile dike-top trail follows the Nooksack River through the Nooksack Unit. The farm fields themselves are viewed from the road.

Restrictions

• A Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass is required at the WDFW lots.
• The Nooksack Unit has waterfowl hunting blinds; wear bright clothing in fall and winter and check WDFW season dates.
• Most of the fields are private farmland; view from the road and don't walk in.

Before you go

• Lens: 400–600mm. Pack spare batteries; cold drains them fast.
• Review the access restrictions above and any posted closures.
• Check the weather and, on the shoreline, the tide forecast.
• Keep a respectful distance. If an animal changes its behavior, you're too close.