Trip Report
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Sunday, Jun. 26, 2016
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
The Nisqually Wildlife Refuge has undergone a huge change since I last visited 10 years ago. In 2009 the state undertook the largest tideland reclamation project in northwest history. In 1910 the Brown family put in 4 miles of dikes to convert tidelands into farm land. When the dikes were removed in 2009, 762 acres of prime tidelands were reestablished. An amazing 1 mile boardwalk affords a great view of the reestablished wetlands. This must be one of the most expensive one mile segments of trail in the world.
To see the tidal contrast, I visited at low tide and then came back 5 hours later to see the area in the process of being flooded with seawater. It's a pretty cool contrast.
RT 4.8 mi with no elevation gain.
Check out the link below if you want to learn more about the restoration project.
Comments
We went to Nisqually for a short outing on Wednesday to find the rufous hummingbird nest and watch the mother feeding her 2 babies!Very fun!Tide was very low when we were there!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Jun 26, 2016 05:00 PM
Bob,
Those photos that you took of the hummingbirds Wednesday were outstanding! It was your report that inspired me to visit Nisqually.
Posted by:
Maddy on Jun 26, 2016 05:46 PM
Did you find the nest? It alone is worth the trip. Bob
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Jun 26, 2016 08:34 PM
I did not find it but I'm sure glad you shared those photos.
Posted by:
Maddy on Jun 26, 2016 08:48 PM