What a wonderful walk today! The kids had no school today, so we went to Nisqually Wildlife Refuge in search of Bald Eagles! We found them and so much more! The walk is flat and clear with no problems. Lots of wildlife to look at along the way. The last 700 feet or so of the Estuary Trail is closed due to hunting season, but it was still a great way to get some miles in! 

Saturday turned out to be a perfect day to head to the wildlife refuge. We got in about 4.5 miles walking around, taking pictures, and watching the wildlife. We've been here a couple of times and it's always really enjoyable. This was our first time visiting during high tide, which made the boardwalk section feel totally different than when the tide was out. Right now the last little bit of the boardwalk is closed for a seasonal closure, but the majority of the boardwalk it open.

There were lots of birdwatchers and photographers walking around. We saw a beaver in one of the ponds, a couple of deer, a heron, a bald eagle, and lots of other birds. 

Rainy day. Slippery on the boardwalk area, but fun

This place is pretty great. So many things to see, and you have to look around. Bring water.  I underestimated how much time we planned on being here.

 There were a few annoying bugs as the sun started to fade, but that comes with being on the water. Even though the parking lot was full,  there was still a feel of peace and quiet out on the trails. 

It was another beautiful morning at the wildlife refuge! I saw plenty of gulls, a hawk, Canada geese, two herons, plus frogs and a duck at the Visitor Center. One heron flew down and landed a few feet in front of my on the dike trail to the boardwalk! The trails are in great shape, as always. The leaves are just starting to turn yellow - I can't wait until it's more colorful! Blackberries are ripe along the riparian areas.

As an FYI, apparently the Boardwalk Estuary Trail is being closed for construction on and off until October 15th (just in time for the last bit of the boardwalk to close for hunting season!). Be sure to check the wildlife refuge's website until then to check the status if you're hoping to get out there.  

Happy trails!