Hiked with a friend and his family to help them introduce their children to hiking. This is a very relaxed hike where you see tons of families out with their children. Try to do research beforehand and check the tide tables to time your hike right at or slightly before high tide. This way when you are walking on the boardwalk the water completely surrounds you.

Great hike, more like an amble, and so much fun for younger children. This was our first time and it did not disappoint! We encountered plenty of songbirds, turtles, frogs, and several snakes, one of which crossed our path at one point. There is much to explore here. The binoculars that can be checked out (they'll temporarily hold your license or credit card) worked well but there were also several viewing platforms that were in good working order. Pack in some food and enjoy a picnic with the sound of the songbirds while the kids play by the big trees near the barns. So enjoyable. Walking all the way out to the Puget Sound Viewing platform and back, I clocked around 5.5 miles on my Fitbit. Definitely a longer walk for young children but very easy terrain. We will definitely return!

excellent place to go if you just looking for a quick get away the trail was very quite and enjoyable even if your alone good spot for someone just looking for an easy going walk

I hiked this trail almost weekly over 25 years ago while stationed at Ft Lewis. I was surprised at the positive changes in this hiking area. The delta area of the Nisqually River is a haven for tons of migrating birds. I saw hundreds of geese the warm day we hiked. Eagles sit high in the trees and wait for fish below in the delta area to catch. Shore birds can be seen from the walkway going out to the observation deck. The 3 mile round trip to the observation deck was worth the views and the birds you can see along the way. Nice changes from when I was here years ago.

I visited the Refuge last Thursday on my way to Ocean Shores for a weekend conference. It was a beautiful day, but the tide was out. There was very little water in the refuge, and it seemed deserted. But, when I looked closely, there were many birds to see and admire. And it felt good to breathe fresh air and walk to the end of the boardwalk.