Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2015

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

We walked the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge trails and elevated walkway early Tuesday afternoon. There is a $3.00 per carload (4 adults) fee and it's worth every penny. Note - the visitor center is only open Wednesday through Sunday. Separate restrooms are available even if the center is closed. Do also keep in mind this is a refuge area - so fido is not welcome even on a leash and there are no other traditional "park" type activities. The tide was a little less than half way between low and high so most of the mudflats were still exposed as the sea slowly flowed back in. A bunch of big Herons were out fishing in the shallows and some gulls out in the flats but there were more summer season birds in the Riparian Forest area. One of the Herons had brilliant white patches on the wings - never seen one like that - looks like juvenile coloring maybe? Heard, though did not see, a rather vocal raven calling from the forested area to the west across the water. Mileage is about 5mi if you include the Riparian Forest loop but it is all flat and easily walkable for most everybody. The elevated plank way out into the tide flats really is amazing - worth a stop even if you are not ordinarily interested in wildlife watching.

More Information on this Trip Report

• http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Nisqually/