9001 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI

West Lake Nature Preserve can be entered from South Shore Drive by car. There is a parking lot there to use, which is free. Or if you enter by foot, the trails connect to the Jud Bushey Memorial Nature Trail, Bishops Bog Trail and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park Path by way of the South Westnedge Park.

9001 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI

There’s the grasslands and wetlands trail on the south side of the park. And the marsh trail to the north. Both will connect to each other. In total, the nature preserve is a 110 acre wetland bog. Founded in 1979, 80 acres were donated by local Percy Matteson with an additional 31 acres added to it about a decade later.

9001 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI

Bikes are not allowed on the trails, however it’s a great spot to take the dog for a walk!

9001 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI

Tips on what to carry with you: -Make sure you applied bug spray as there are mosquitos here! -Hiking shoes or sandals that you don’t mind getting a little wet or dirty.

9001 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI

There are many interesting plants to look for out on the bog and along West Lake. See if you can spot carnivorous plants like the pitcher plant. There’s also bladderwort, pink lady’s slipper, leatherleaf, cotton grass sedge, tamarack and bog cranberry to be found here.

9001 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI

There’s a grassland area along the trail too. In total, West Lake Nature Preserve is along 1400 feet of West Lake.

9001 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI

The playground is conveniently located by the parking lot. And just next to it is the picnic tables and restroom facilities.

9001 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI

Check out the information posted in the picnic pavilion to learn more about the birds that can be found year round and seasonally within West Lake - then see how many you can find!