Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Hike

The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area covering the Nisqually River Delta, offering protection to birds, otters, seals, fish, and more. The Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk is a lovely path through the estuary, providing a very easy and flat walk to the Puget Sound viewpoint and back. You’ll be able to check out the visitor center and all the unique viewpoints along the way, savoring the peace and quiet of the refuge and watching photographers snap shots of the diverse wildlife all around. Bring binoculars!

While the refuge is wonderful to visit year-round, the fog of spring and fall mornings makes it especially charming. This walk is suitable for strollers, most wheelchairs, young children, and beginners. There are also benches along the way should anyone wish to rest. The path is paved, boardwalk, and sometimes gravel, but the boardwalk can sometimes become slippery in the rain.

The refuge was formerly known as the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, but it has since been renamed to honor late activist Billy Frank Jr. Billy was a Nisqually tribe member who advocated for Native American fishing rights and the preservation of the river delta.

Your walk begins from the visitor center, which rents out binoculars in case you forgot your own. You’ll walk a half of a mile on the Twin Barnes Loop Trail, then another half mile along the boardwalk to the Twin Barns Observation Platform.

Either on your way out or your way back, you can walk around the other side of the visitor center to check out the Riparian Forest Overlook and the Nisqually River Overlook.

Heading left after Twin Barns, take the gravel Brown Farm Dike Trail. This mile-long stretch provides access to an observation tower and an enclosed viewing platform in addition to two covered viewing platforms. Check out the educational signage and spend some time spotting birds and mammals in the mudflats.

Continue further on with McAllister Creek on your left, reaching the Puget Sound Viewing Platform. This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the creek, the Olympics, Mount Rainier, and the Sound.

You’ll retrace your steps back to the visitor center.

Trail Highlights

Nisqually River Delta

The Nisqually River Delta is a 4,559-acre protected refuge that boasts an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem. The delta covers the area where the Nisqually River meets Puget Sound. In this estuary, you can spot otters, seals, salmon, herons, owls, birds of prey, and more. The estuary is protected under the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and has become a top spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge free?

There is a modest fee to enter the refuge. The price is subject to change, but at the time of publication, it was $3 per vehicle.

When is the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge open?

The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset

Are dogs allowed at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge?

No. Because of the abundant wildlife, dogs and other animals are not allowed in the refuge, even on leashes. This prevents disturbance to the wildlife.