Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

As far as hikes go, this one is a bit less traditional than you might otherwise engage. The Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a personal favorite of mine and one I return to over and over again.

During this shutdown you’ll miss out on the wonderful Nature Shop at the visitor center and the great staff and volunteers, but rest assured, there are always dozens of regular walkers and photographers to help steer you through the refuge. Nowhere in this country do I feel more a part of a family of caretakers. To know this place is to love it.

The gates are timed to open from sunrise to sunset. If you arrive at 7am you can slip through the gates just before the sun rises. I love walking the refuge as it comes alive at the break of day. Drop your parking fee and/or donation at the kiosk and grab your binoculars or camera.

From the main parking area, enter the refuge to the left of the visitor center. You can walk along the boardwalk (The Twin Barns Loop) or take the gravel path that runs parallel, all the way to the barns. There is a short out and back boardwalk to a platform behind the barns that gives you a birdseye view of the fields.

At the barns, you can continue along the boardwalk and circle the refuge area back to the parking lot, or choose the short gravel path to the dike road leading to the mile long estuary boardwalk. This refuge is rich with history and I encourage you to read more about it here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/billy-frank-jr-nisqually

From the parking lot to the end of the estuary boardwalk and back, you’ll walk a beautiful four miles. So much to see here any time of year. Immerse yourself in the diverse habitats of the Nisqually River Delta, It never disappoints.

FYI: There are flush toilets at the visitor center and a pair of port-o-potties near the twin barns. The refuge is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, so bicycles, drones and dogs are not allowed. (I shouldn’t need to mention it, but there are no firearms or hunting allowed) Please enjoy the sights and sounds from the various trails to keep it a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

More on my blog at:
https://insearchofthevery.com/2025/10/08/morning-walk/

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://insearchofthevery.com/2025/10/08/morning-walk/