The Lower Daybreak Trailhead in Battle Ground located at the boat launch portion of Daybreak Park is a great way for people of all abilities to enjoy nature.
The paved portion of the trail features an out-and-back style and is 1.12 mile round trip. Along with the paved portion, two gravel trails are available as well. A gravel loop trail that goes near Manley Creek is just over three quarters of a mile long and a river access trail extends about 100 feet. All of the trails are pet friendly, but people are encouraged to remain on marked trails to minimize the impact to the ecosystem.
The Manley Creek gravel loop is a great way to learn about and to watch fish habitat restoration projects in action. A sign at the gravel loop trailhead states many tributaries to the East Fork Lewis River experience water quality issues. For example, Manley Creek lacks shade, so during the summer months, the water temperature rises too high to support healthy fish populations and other stream life. The sign notes the lower portion of the park was once covered with a hardwood coniferous forest that provided shade to the creek. The Manley Creek restoration project features a diverse partnership that has planted thousands of trees and shrubs in the lower portion of Daybreak Park.
The fish that utilize Manley Creek via the East Fork Lewis River include coho salmon and sea-run cutthroat trout. Water temperatures above 60 degrees can alter migration and egg survival.
The Lower Daybreak Trailhead provides a quiet spot for birding during the mornings and evenings. Birds commonly seen there include common mergansers, belted kingfishers and red-breasted sapsuckers.
Clark County park regulations require all pets to be leashed at all times and people are required to pick up after their pets. Pet feces are a known pollutant to both Manley Creek and the East Fork Lewis River.
During fishing season, the trail provides an easily accessible way to fish the East Fork. Anglers must release all steelhead caught in the East Fork Lewis River and can keep hatchery chinook and coho salmon during the proper fishing seasons.
The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk year round. It is located at 26401 NE Daybreak Road in Battle Ground.
