We couldn't find it at first. The directions say to get off on exit 114 and follow the signs to the Nisqually NWR, but we never saw any signs. There are only three different ways you can go from the off ramp and of course we chose the wrong way twice before finally finding the right road. It will feel like you're just going to just get right back on the freeway, but you will actually come to a 'T' in the road where you can't go straight and can only go left or right. Left will put you back on the freeway. Right will take you to the reserve (and its here that we saw our first sign for the place). Nice flat hike over water, wetlands and mudflats. Parts of it are on a boardwalk and parts are a traditional trail. My favorite part is the board walk that goes out over the mudflats towards the water. Easy hike!

First and foremost "This is kids friendly trail". Me and my wife reached there around 8:30 and deposited fee ($3 per party) and collected binocular (no charge) from visitor center. It was sunny and bright. View was amazing and attractive. We saw some birds, big frog, bald eagle and 3 cubs (not sure about type). There were so many many crabs near water. Check out some pics.

Great local hike to view the sound, see wildlife in their natural habitat. Fish, crabs, seals. Beautiful hike!

This is a great place to go with kids. We chose to walk the newer addition - a boardwalk that juts out into the sound. The tide was out and the mudflats were amazing! This park is very well maintained - the boards are all sturdy and it is clean. It was busy today with people of ALL ages. We have two children, ages 4 and 11 months, and our 4-year-old loved running the length of the boardwalk. Highly recommended trail.

Don't bother trying to get here before first light - the gate opens promptly at sunrise. Spring bird activity is in full swing, despite the sparkle of morning ice on the boardwalks. The wood ducks are nesting - I saw my first pair at their nest, and many others too numerous to mention. Lots and lots of activity, although I am sorry to have missed the reported Great Horned owl family.