Nisqually NWR
Nisqually is an excellent year-round destination for wildlife viewing and photography. Before you start your hiking, you'll want to be sure and have binoculars. Bring your own, or check them out from the visitor center. This will allow you to enjoy the many species of dabbling and diving ducks that stop to feed in the wetlands or the several species of raptors, such as owls, harriers and kestrels, that survey the fields for prey.
There are several hiking options in the refuge, but the most exciting is the new Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. This trail starts at the visitor center and is accessed by walking one-half mile on the Twin Barnes Loop trail and the new estuary dike trail. Then the boardwalk begins, and it truly is something to behold. It juts far out into the delta - running a full mile. When the tide is in, hikers will be walking above the water. When the tide is out, folks will be treated to the mudflats that are so popular with waterfowl. The trail features an observation tower, an enclosed viewing platform, several push-outs for those who want to linger with their binoculars and two covered viewing platforms. There are thoughtful touches like the areas with lower railings and mesh coverings to allow unobstructed views for kids and those in wheelchairs. The highlight is the Puget Sound Viewing Platform at the end of the boardwalk. It provides a 360 degree view of McAllister Creek, the Olympics, Mount Rainier and several islands in Puget Sound. Round-trip is four miles. Trails at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge are open sunrise to sunset every day, and there is a $3 per car vehicle charge. Parts of this trail will have an annual seasonal closure from October to January for waterfowl hunting season. And although Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is not open to hunting, waterfowl hunting does occur on Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife land immediately adjacent to the trail.
Driving Directions:
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is on the southern end of Puget Sound between Olympia and Fort Lewis. Take Exit 114 from I-5 and follow the signs to the refuge. The refuge is open daily during daylight hours. The daily entrance fee is $3; waived if you have one of the many passes they honor. Recent Trip Reports
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This was our first time to hike the beautiful new boardwalk over the estuary. The day was cloudy wit...
This was our first time to hike the beautiful new boardwalk over the estuary. The day was cloudy with no mountain views, but there was no rain which was a plus! We saw many Great Blue Herons, a Great Egret, an immature red-tailed hawk with an injury to one of its talons, a pair of hooded mergansers, eagles, and many mallards and geese. We were there over 7 hours enjoying the birds and beauty of the area. We ate lunch in one of the viewing areas that had benches.
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This is always a great place to go on a sunny winter day. No problems with trails...
This is always a great place to go on a sunny winter day. No problems with trails
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The current edition (Jan-Feb 2012) of "Washington Trails" includes a nice article about the history ...
The current edition (Jan-Feb 2012) of "Washington Trails" includes a nice article about the history of the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and the efforts to restore the salmon runs and protect migratory birds in this area. If you have never visited the area, pick up a copy of the magazine or visit www.fws.gov/nisqually.
This afternoon the weather was dry, the temperature was mild and the sky was quite grey. Nonetheless, the main parking lot was full and there were lots of vistors in this family-friendly area. This is a great place to take out-of-town visitors too. Today it was great to see two Great Blue Herons close to the main path, one hunting in the marshy grass and the other resting on a marshy island who later took off to a new location. During this time of the year, it was easy to spot many adult and juvenile eagles high in the deciduous trees off in the distance and up close near the Twin Barns. There were several different varieties of ducks everywhere busy feeding. Most spectacular today was the sounds and number of geese, which must have been in the houndreds or more, who would get aroused and put on a show for all the spectators in the area - filling up the vast sky like a huge rippling wave without purpose or direction. Note, the boardwalk is closed 700 ft from the end for waterfowl hunting season. A chain link fence is on the boardwalk with a sign posting the closure through January 29, 2012. Although you are unable to get to the end of the boardwalk, you won't be disappointed with the beautiful facility that allows you to observe a variety of birds and ducks and more. On the drive out of the refuge a young doe, wet and muddy was hanging out under an apple tree next to the road - an exclamation to the day. Day hike
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This trail is totally flat and very family friendly. There are many different trails to choose from ...
This trail is totally flat and very family friendly. There are many different trails to choose from and today we went with the Estuary Boardwalk Trail as mentioned in the WTA guide. As previous reports have mentioned,this is a great place to view wildlife so bring your camera and binoculars. We saw a hawk, herons, and several other little birds while out today. The boardwalk out over the water is beautiful and there are lots of viewing platforms and benches to stop for breaks along the way. The last 700 yards of the boardwalk are closed at this time due to duck hunting season but will reopen around the end of January 2012. Other than that, there are no other issues to report about this trail.
If you are in the area and have a few hours, this is a great place to take kids of all ages for a hike and maybe you'll see some exciting wildlife! Day hike
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We enjoyed a foggy, dramatic late aftenoon on this marvelous four mile walk. As has been oft report...
We enjoyed a foggy, dramatic late aftenoon on this marvelous four mile walk. As has been oft reported, this is a fabulous mid-winter outing, especially with the brand new boardwalk. Don't miss it! I captured a few striking images. You almost can't come away without a good photo from this place. Bring your telephoto lens!
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 The new Nisqually Boardwalk. Photo by Tomas.
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