The parking lot was almost full when we arrived around 3 pm.  Porta potties were available in the parking lot.  We enjoyed the views along the boardwalk and gravel trails, but besides a few birds we did not see much wildlife.  Also, the tide was out, revealing a large expanse of red mud with a few dead trees stuck in it - great location for a post-apocalyptic movie!

Inspired by Bob and Barb, I decided to check out Nisqually this afternoon. Not a lot of birds to see but was treated to a close gathering of 24 Great Blue Herons feeding.

3 mi RT

After walking the Tumwater Falls Trail, we went to Nisqually where we had many fun sightings! Near the beginning of the boardwalk we saw a peregrine falcon in the top of a tree across the beaver pond enjoying his/her recent catch which we think was a coot. A female mallard with 4 ducklings, a female wood duck with 15 ducklings, 2 male wood ducks, 6 female common mergansers on a log, a Pacific tree frog, 2 cedar waxwings and a beaver were also seen. We also saw an empty hummingbird nest.

The parking fee is at the visitors center but at the map area, not in the building. I didn't even see it until we were done with our hike. We went on a cloudy day but there was enough visibility to see the Narrows bridge. Lots of birds and you could see crabs down on the sand. great flat hike for everyone.

We arrived just after 2pm to a mostly full parking lot. We carried our Interagency Pass with us, otherwise pay the $3 daily fee before setting out on the trails. Porta potties available at the parking lot and near the barns.

There are many easygoing, completely flat routes to explore. We meandered through the marshes and made the trek to the end of the Estuary Boardwalk at the peak of low tide. There is very little shade on the boardwalk, so best to be prepared on a sunny day with water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Binoculars highly recommended as well!

It was a great day for wildlife. We were treated to a myriad of songbirds, waterfowl, a sunbathing turtle, two garter snakes, two large frogs, bunnies, and even a curious mink. At the end of the Estuary Boardwalk we also heard and saw no less than four adult bald eagles and several juvenile eagles.

There are signs placed throughout the refuge reminding people that masks are required on federal land when adequate distancing is not possible. Some paths are wide, but the boardwalks can be quite narrow. An unfortunate amount of folks did not have any sort of face covering.