I have been coming here every week, sometimes several times, for a few months now. The refuge area is a serene snd lovely opportunity to learn about nature, the Nisqually Delta and how we can interact with wildlife. The visitor center is currently closed and fees are waived. That said, please use this opportunity to get outside and teach others about respecting these sanctuary places. I saw trash off the estuary boardealk and there is just no excuse to ever see that. Please get outside and enjoy, but pack out what you pack in. I have photos on my blog that is linked below. Stay safe. 

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Went here with my daughter in a stroller to try to get some air while staying away from other people as I remember the trail being very wide and not too crowded on previous visits.

Nearly full parking lot at ~11 on a Wednesday and while there is plenty of space still, there were a lot of families walking spread apart such that they'd fill up the entire 15' wide trail... I was trying to practice good social distancing which meant driving the stroller and myself off the trail to let groups pass. I walked to the twin barns and saw even more crowds towards the boardwalk and decided to call it.

If you go here (or anywhere) please try to keep your family close and respect other folks space given current world events.

My spouse and i had a nice time doing the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk and Twin Barns Trail. The weather was at the high_30s_F when we were there (~09:45 - 11:00). And we saw ~50+ people out and about; a few who were taking photos, others simply "casual" visitors. And yes, we got to see some ducks :)

The trails are flat and well maintained.  There are some historic buildings along the way.  You might see Great Blue Herons too.

On this beautiful and sunny day with little or no wind we spent 5 hours enjoying the many birds and ducks in the area. The clouds prevented views of the Olympics and Mt Rainier, but made for beautiful reflections in the water. Mallards, Northern Shovelers, eagles, widgeons, pintails, herons, yellow legs, a pair of hooded mergansers, Gadwalls, and coots were some of the birds seen. We arrived at noon and low tide was at 1:30 so there was a lot of mud in the estuary area. As we were returning from the viewpoint at the end of the boardwalk at 4:00 we began to see more bird activity as the tide was coming in.