Near Western Pool Loop
American White Pelican migration.
Near Western Pool Loop
Heavy morning dew on the trail.
Near Western Pool Loop
Blurry photo of a motionless trumpeter swan. Or bigfoot.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Western Pool Loop

4.0 (2 Ratings)
Amazing place for birding.
5.4
mi
Distance
16
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingLakeWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.36mi
Distance
16ft
Elevation Gain
16ft
Elevation Loss
5%
Max Grade
442ft
High Point
424ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Reflecting local heritage, Marais Temps Clair means "fair weather marsh" in French. This is a floodplain situated in the Mississippi Migratory Bird Flyway. It has served as a place to rest their tired wings for centuries. It has been remodeled for the convenience of our feathered customers to include their choice of 10 outdoor pools with electric pumps to maintain the perfect water level. They must bring their own towels. Lifeguard not provided. Be our guest!The eastern lake has a narrow land bridge that takes you closer to the lake/marsh which is where many of the hunters hide while awaiting the arrival of their prey. The pools are not very deep since the hunters walk out into the water to retrieve the dead birds.
History & Background
Marais Temps Clair has a 918-acre footprint in what was once part of an mega-marsh ranging from St. Charles to Alton. The land was purchased for use as a conservation area through a Conservation Sales Tax and by donations from M.R. Williams and L. K. Ayers.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Rick Ihnat