Hike #4 of our 52 Hike Challenge 2016. 47 degrees and mostly sunny while we were out today. Very nice day for a hike. There was a $3 fee (not covered by our Discover Pass). The parking lots were completely full and overflowing with vehicles of people who had the same idea as us to get out and enjoy some fresh air while the sun was out. We chose to do the 1 mile "Twin Barn Loop" hike today (one of many trails available). The trails were well maintained and marked. I will have to say that while I am glad we came, it was not quite the experience I was looking for. While we were in a natural setting, you could still hear the I-5 traffic noise and there were so many people it felt more like a walk through the market than a nature hike. The boardwalks were only wide enough for 2 persons side by side so every time we came to someone coming the other way, we had to walk single file (which was most of the time). We did see many types of water fowl from ducks, geese, herons and eagles to song birds. All in all, it was an enjoyable day outdoors.

We took advantage of the beautiful, sunny day to visit the refuge before the rains returned. Many others were enjoying the beautiful weather. We saw bald eagles, several varieties of ducks, river otters from the Nisqually River Overlook, a heron, cackling geese, a few Canadian geese, the great-horned owl sitting in her nest, and 2 deer. There was a Chinese goose which a lady told us has been there over a month! It has a loud honking sound! All we could see of the owl were her ears and eyes! A volunteer at the refuge told us they expect to see the babies in one or two weeks. The sound from shooting of machine guns and cannons from JBLM was distracting!

Hiked NWR in mid-morning. Weather was gorgeous! The air was cool and crisp! Not a cloud in the sky! Very quiet! The ground was a little frozen/ frosty, but the wildlife was still out and about! The boardwalk had some snow/ frost on it, but for the most part was clear. Very easy to navigate. Fun and relaxing walk!