We had a blast exploring the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for the first time. We went at low tide, and the salt marsh at the end was a bizarre and beautiful sight unlike anywhere we've been before. Birds picked through this strange swamp otherworld, and scraggly tree skeletons poked up from the mud.

I'd highly recommend visiting the refuge if you haven't been before. It's a unique and special environment. The boardwalk allows easy access to a place that would otherwise not be possible to visit, since it alternates between standing water at high tide and salt marsh at low tide.

The hike is mostly on the boardwalk, but it also includes a few sections of wide, packed trail. The footing is very even and should be suitable for nearly anyone.

We made a video of the highlights (below). 

Happy hiking!

Spent the morning at the refuge, taking in the salty air and wide open spaces. This is a lovely series of trails across accessible boardwalks and gravel road all the way out to a gazebo nestled at the far end of the estuary boardwalk. Lots of wildlife, from deer to coyotes to eagles. The ponds are a favorite of both blue and green herons and there are also American bittern, songbirds and raptors. If you circle the boardwalk and also walk the estuary trail, you can easily achieve your step goals for the day. Bathrooms are open, clean and stocked. Nature Store is open Weds -Fri, but check back periodically for updates on days and times. Family friendly, there's something for everyone here. 

More photos on my blog linked below.

https://insearchofthevery.com/2022/08/31/wordless-wednesday-89/

Got to the parking lot around 6pm. There were a lot of people there, but plenty of parking, it's a very big lot.

After paying the 3$ fee, we started, and almost immediately saw a great blue heron. We saw around 10 the whole trip, there were a lot.

It was a long walk, and we kicked ourselves for forgetting our waters in the car, but it is all flat and gorgeous and worth every mile.

I love visiting the wildlife refuge and couldn't think of a better place to take my twin for a walk/hike before she went back to Oregon this morning! We went just in time for high tide and enjoyed seeing a heron, Canadian geese, tons of sea gulls, terns, goldfinches, a garter snake, a bunny, seals, and even three bald eagles huddled together on a little grass "island" just beyond the viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk. The highlight was seeing a mother and baby seal hanging out near the boardwalk!

As always, the trail and the boardwalks were in great condition. There were a ton of seagulls hanging out on the rails of the boardwalk - I have never seen so many, it was actually a little creepy. I will note that my Fitbit has always said that from the parking lot to the end of the boardwalk over the estuary and back is about 3.4 miles, but my sister's Garmin said it was 4.6! 

Had a really lovely morning at the refuge. The bathrooms are open as is the Nature Store. Check the website for hours. Masks still required indoors so don't ditch them just yet. 

I walked with a friend out to end of the estuary boardwalk. It's a beautiful walk, with no elevation and a lot to discover. I watched barn swallows fed by mama, a squirrel come charging at me like I was made of good nut butter and eight (yes 8!) juvenile and adult bald eagles hanging around in the mud flats just off the dike road. A wonderful mix of boardwalk and gravel make for an easy walk for most. A great place to teach kids about wildlife and birds and there is an outdoor education/play area for the younger kids. Always a great day. More photos on my blog linked below. 

https://wp.me/p7ZfBc-50O