Arrived just after 2pm this rainy Sunday and there were a few spots in the lot, I can see how it fills quickly on nice days.  Despite the rain we enjoyed a walk along the boardwalk, just beware that the walkway is definitely slippery when wet.  While the restrooms are closed there were a couple portopotties available in the parking area.  

Nice cool day. Perfect for any fitness level. Light sprinkles. Even a rainbow. There were two bald eagles, sorry the photos not great. The gate is still up, so the section in the last photo from the left to the right/end will still be closed until February 6th according to the sign. If you take the maintenance road out to the twin barns there is a group of trees just before the barns and the one on the left has an eagles nest in. Sometimes the eagles will roost in this tree.

My wife, daughter and I tried to  the Billy Frank Refuge today but struck out. We arrived about 11:00 and upon entering the parking lot found it was COMPLETELY FULL. Tons of other cars hovering around trying to luck out and time it right for a car pulling out but we eventually gave up and left.

We heading south on I-5 to Lacey and found the Chehalis Western trail. Parked and hiked about 3 miles but it was paved and went past a bunch of trailer homes and such. Not very scenic in this stretch and certainly not what we were looking for - though it's probably a great biking path and there were a lot of ducks to visit on Chambers Lake near our parking spot.

We returned about 1:30 to try Billy Frank Refuge again but there seemed to be even MORE cars and people there. Left again!

I would suggest going on a standard work day when school kids are in session, perhaps when it is raining, or maybe get there before 10. That's our new plan!

What a wonderful place, filled with wildlife!

Road is 100% paved, parking lot is relatively small if you are going on a weekend. We drove in circles for probably 10 minutes until we finally got a spot. Definitely recommend coming early or on a weekday to get some solitude because there were some large loud families.

Trail has puddles in many places and spots of mud, but it is all very avoidable. Our trail runners hardly got dirty, but we saw people with waterproof boots on walking straight through the puddles, too. 

The trail is nice and flat and okay for anyone of any age. Which is great because there is plenty to see! Terrain is all either packed down dirt/gravel  or wooden boardwalk (can get kind of slippery when wet). Highly recommend bringing binoculars. Excellent place for wildlife viewing and photography. 

We spotted 23 bird species in just three-ish hours, a beautiful coyote with his winter coat, as well as 8 harbor seals resting on little islands close to the boardwalk!

This is a wonderful place to escape busy work life and just come to see nature flourishing. There are many interpretive signs to learn about several species of birds and plants and the ecosystem, and even a wildlife checklist pamphlet at the visitor center. Might I suggest downloading the Merlin Bird ID app and bringing your binoculars to see how many you can check off! 

Great place to learn, get some walking in, and appreciate what this wildlife refuge does!

Arrived before 10am and lots of parking. upon returning to the car at 1130 the lot was full.

There area was rich with various birds and on our outbound walk, only the bird watchers and photographers we're about. However, on the way back, large groups of multiple families were commonplace.

definitely plan for an early morning walk on weekends to avoid crowds.