We arrived at 12:15PM (Saturday/ holiday weekend) and there weren’t t any parking spots left and though some people were leaving more people were arriving than leaving making it hard to get a spot, so we drove 15 min away to get Manic Meatballs and when we returned about an hour later the lot was still full but we were able to wait for someone to leave and snag a spot within about 5 min.

this is a well maintained boardwalk trail and though we’ve had weeks of heavy rain it wasn’t muddy on the trail or boardwalk.

of the many people we saw 99% were wearing their mask the entire time. everyone was thoughtful of social distancing

saw some birds, about a million ducks, 1 hawk, 5 eagles and a bunch of little tree birds.

the boardwalk goes wayyy out. we were obviously there during low tide as it was all mud flats but even though the trail was busy it was still pretty peaceful.

we live about an hour away and did about a 3 mile walk out here, saw probably half the park. would recommend if you’re looking for a nice stroll.

What a beautiful place for a run/hike! Tails and boardwalks through wetlands. Lots of birds and great scenery. If clear, you can see Rainier. We did not, even though it wasn't super cloudy. Great place for everybody, with wide trails and boardwalk. 

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!