Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025

I adore this place, especially in the winter. The waterfowl watching is unparalleled! And the trails and boardwalk are in great shape.

We arrived around 4pm and the main lot had clearly been full earlier (with some folks parking on the grass) but by that time, there were spots available. Bathrooms at the visitor center were open and heated.

We saw widgeons, pintails, mallards, shovelers, greater white fronted geese, greater yellowlegs, bald eagles, an osprey, a golden crowned kinglet (I think?) and more! Rainier was peeking over the hill with beautiful alpenglow.