Gorgeous, beautiful day. The boardwalk was in really good condition, the views of mt. rainier were really nice. Used a stroller the whole time and had no problems.

very nice out to this preserve,had a great time saw many birds, I only walked a mile round trip. recommend to anyone wanting a nice easy walk.

THINGS TO KNOW: 1) No dogs allowed. 2) Go at high tide. When we got there around 1 PM, the tide was way out into the Sound, and we hardly got to see much wildlife, though we saw 4-5 bald eagles. At 4:45 PM, as we were making our way back, the tide was coming back in. So, my guess is either go first thing in the morning, or after 5 PM. 3) Bring water! There aren't a ton of shady spots, and if the sun is out, it'll beat you. Also, the salt air will really parch your throat, and you'll wish you had water. Trust me. 4) WTA says it runs about 5 miles roundtrip, but the ranger told us 4.2 miles. It's flat, mostly a boardwalk. You can easily wear sandals or flats. 5) Restrooms at the visitor center. 6) $3 visitor fee. If you don't have cash, they'll help you out inside with a credit card.

Today we met some friends and hiked the boardwalks through the wildlife refuge. From the parking lot at the visitor center, we started our trip on the service road out to the twin gray barns. Before becoming a wildlife refuge, the property was once a large dairy farm. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service bought the land in 1974. Later on the dikes were removed so the property could once again be a marsh/river delta. From the barns we headed west on a gravel dike road between the salt water tide lands and the fresh water marsh area out the one mile long raised board walk over the tide flats. Along the marsh we saw geese and ducks. There are three covered viewing platforms on the boardwalk with benches and interpretive signs showing various birds that use the refuge. While walking on the boardwalk we could look down into some tide pools to see small crabs and other wildlife. You also get a view of Mt. Rainier to the east. We saw several great blue herons, different types of gulls and an eagle's nest across McAllister Creek. At the end of the boardwalk is the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve and out to Anderson Island. The towers of the Narrows Bridge can be seen to the north. There were 15 kayakers heading upstream on McAllister Creek. On the walk back, we took the Twin Barns Loop Trail that is on another boardwalk through some wetlands. There are some beaver dams and ponds with more wildlife to see. From the parking lot out to the end of the mile long boardwalk is 4 miles round trip. Lots of people out on this sunny day, bird watchers, families with kids and lots of us seniors. Note: The one mile long boardwalk is closed each year from the middle of October to the end of January for the water fowl hunting season.

I saw the weather and wanted to get out on hike, was not sure where to go, did not want to drive far. So I went 2 exits from my house to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Well worth it great morning walk, few people out. saw my first beaver in the wild. great trails, lots of birds too.