Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Friday, Mar. 31, 2000

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Spring has sprung. The birds were chirping and nesting, the otters swimming in the river. This is a great place to take leisurely hikers and children. No dogs allowed, sorry. Also, no bikes and no joggers. Rules. We had a great day enjoying some of the first warm weather of the year. Some eagles were playing tag above the mudflats and the herons were hanging out in their aerie above McAllister Creek. The crowds tend to get here later in the day, so go early. No problems with wet feet, most of the trail is on dikes or expensive boardwalk (fully accessible). There is also a great new visitor's center. There is a $3 fee per ""family"" which is a carload for singles. All the monies go to the reserve. The bird population is constantly changing since a lot of the population is migratory, so you'll probably see something different every time you go.