Thanks to the refuge's Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/BillyFrankJrNisquallyNWR ), I was able to see that one of my favorite spots had made it through the storms relatively well, and wasn't flooded beyond capacity despite its proximity to the Nisqually River. 

There are two sections of boardwalk closed, in the Riparian forest (maybe due to the river?) and on the western stretch that connects the parking lot to the barns (due to boardwalk damage from a fallen tree). However, those sections don't impede you from reaching the estuary boardwalk over the water, which is open as usual all the way up to the final 700 feet, which are closed in the winter due to nearby hunting. On a mile-long boardwalk, 700 feet really don't make much of a dent!

Mind the signs about the flu  and don't touch the animals (though that was always the case, flu or no flu). Other than that, this is a beautiful, flat, enjoyable walk anytime of year. I've been several times, and I'm sure I'll go again!

i went in the early am and first walked through the initial marshy area which was enjoyable as the outdoor vibe was there but unfortunately along with the always present roar of i5. one of the constants of much of my walks/hikes in this area is i5, i really need to start backcountry hiking. oh well next year i guess. i eventually got on the nisqually estuary boardwalk trail and i have to say this was a treat to be walking over the estuary itself for about a mile. there were a couple of stops with informational markers that i appreciated about the wildlife and history. along the walk there were plenty of wildlife such as seagulls, ducks, herons, and assorted other birds. at this point i5 noise became irrelevant, the immediate environment was so satisfyingly cool, i loved it. i walked to the current end of this boardwalk; the actual final part of the trail was closed for the season due to it being waterfowl hunting season, i tried explaining that it was actually rabbit season but no one was there to hear me...

after i tore myself away from that boardwalk i did walk the rest of the trails here and loved them as well. i found it interesting that as soon as i walked into the forested areas i felt a different kind of immersion; out over the estuary i felt the openness of my surroundings but in the woods i felt the comfort of nearby greenery that was a different feeling of immersion. overall i walked about 4.5 miles, other than the boardwalks the gravel trails were nice, soft, and level. very family friendly as dogs/bikers/joggers are not allowed. there is also a childrens nature explore area that probably is a lot more fun when there are organized tours but still something to see. 

the visitor center is closed due to you know what, and the payment system appears to be on the honor system.

The refuge is open.  The toilets are clean and supplied.  The rain was horizonal for a while.

The orchard has ripe apples and pears that are gorgeous and for the animals!  There were prints all around and small green frogs (no costumes).  The mudflats were in their full glory.  Herons, ducks and shrub birds were around.  The bird bounty certainly changes over the course of the year.

We are curious to see what this area will look like in 25 - 75 years.  There isn't a lot of woody material being introduced from the river/Sound so what will stabilize the mud?

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/

Stop at the Visitor Center if you need a map of the area.  We timed the hike to be there when the tide was going out.  This insured us of seeing shore birds feeding.  Along with the shore birds we saw several Blue Heron and a few deer.  The trail is well marked but be sure to take water, sun glasses (to protect from glare off the water), comfortable shoes or boots.  The walk to the end of the board walk can be slippery if wet so use caution. Enjoy the walk and if you are lucky and the sky is clear you will see Mt. Rainier from the board walk.