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With easy access off Interstate 5 in Olympia, Washington, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is the destination to connect with nature. Year-round trails meander through a diversity of habitats, and visitors can experience exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
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The refuge was created in 1974 to protect the diverse fish and wildlife that call the Nisqually River Delta home. In addition to a myriad bird species, harbor seals, otters, salmon, and many other animals enjoy these expansive tideflats, and interested hikers can while away many hours watching active wildlife.
There are several hiking options in the refuge, but the most exciting is the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. This trail starts at the visitor center and is accessed by walking one-half mile on the Twin Barnes Loop trail. After half a mile of hiking along an old boardwalk that sits just above the wetlands, hikers will reach a fork for the Twin Ba...
To continue onto the boardwalk, take the right fork. Just before the trail comes to a T, a gravel path veers off to the left. This path, called the Brown Farm Dike Trail, leads to the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Jutting far out into the delta, the boardwalk runs a full mile, taking hikers above the water when the tide is in. When it's out, f...
The trail features an observation tower, an enclosed viewing platform, several push-outs for those who want to linger with their binoculars and two covered viewing platforms. There are thoughtful touches, like the areas with lower railings and mesh coverings to allow unobstructed views for kids and those in wheelchairs, as well as informative signs...
The highlight is the Puget Sound Viewing Platform at the end of the boardwalk, which provides a 360-degree view, including McAllister Creek, the Olympics, Mount Rainier and several islands in Puget Sound.
Trails at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge are open sunrise to sunset every day, and there is a $3 per car vehicle charge. Have cash on hand -- it's the easiest way to pay for the permit. Parts of this trail will have an annual seasonal closure from October to January for waterfowl hunting season. And although Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge i...
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The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife preserve operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on the Nisqually River Delta near Puget Sound in northeastern Thurston County, Washington and northwestern Pierce County, Washington.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. (360) 753-9467. 100 Brown Farm Road Olympia, WA 98516-2302. Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Interstate 5 corridor, 20 miles south of Tacoma and 8 miles east of Olympia in the Nisqually Valley.
Nisqually Refuge is famous for the more than 275 migratory bird species that use the refuge for migration, wintering, or breeding. The refuge provides rearing and migration habitat for steelhead trout and several salmon species and habitat for a variety of threatened and endangered species.
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The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a 12.6 km 2 wild life refuge, established in 1974, located in Thurston and Pierce Counties. The Refuge provides an excellent opportunity to view different habitats that exist in the Pacific Northwest.
The refuge encompasses an immensely diverse number of habitats. The trail and boardwalk system leads through thick riparian forests and along the rapidly flowing Nisqually River, through open grasslands, near salt and freshwater marshes, and over salty tidal mudflats.
