Traveling on I-5 from Seattle to Portland can be a long drive. If you are looking for a break, you will find one just over an hour from Seattle at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. One might expect a wildlife refuge to be a long way from a major freeway, but it really is just off the freeway. In fact while we were at the refuge we could see the cars driving by. I had driven by the exit on many occasions, but I finally decided it was time to check it out. On a nice Sunday afternoon in May we headed south to see what the refuge is all about.
My first surprise was how crowded it was. When I think of a wildlife refuge, my mind imagines a quiet, serene place. However, Nisqually was busy to the point that we had a difficult time finding a place to park. We managed to squeeze into a space along the edge of the parking lot. My advice, if it’s a nice day, go early or go later. By the time we left later in the afternoon, parking was again available.
The next thing to know is this is a national reserve run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They charge a small fee of $3.00 for up to 4 adults to be there. There is a self pay system with envelopes that you put your $3.00 in. If you have an America the Beautiful pass of any kind you are good to go. Just carry it with you. Don’t leave it in the car. I’ve had my senior card for a number of years now, and it’s one of the best things I ever bought.
Once you have paid your fee, you are free to begin to explore the area. There are a number of different habitats that you will see, each with their own unique elements. Closest to the parking lot is the Twin Barns Loop Trail. It makes a simple loop going by ponds and streams and is mostly in forested areas.
Part of this reserve was once a working farm. Visitors will eventually come to an area where there are two old barns side by side. There are some picnic tables near them as well as restrooms if you need them. It is also at this point that the trail will veer off if you want to go out to the estuary area. The Nisqually Estuary Trail will follow along the edge of the old farming fields on one side. As you walk out towards Puget Sound, you will begin to see the mudflats on the right side.
Eventually the trail will become a boardwalk that goes out over the mudflats. There are a couple of observation platforms you can use to check out the scenery. Visitors will also discover a bird blind for hunting purposes in the fall. The boardwalk extends out for a mile. It allows one to walk out even when water covers the mudflats. However, we did not go to the end where there is one final observation deck. That was a little too far for us on this day.
We had taken the Loop Trail until it hit the Estuary Trail so we walked back and rejoined the Loop Trail. Continuing on around we eventually arrived back at the parking lot. We saw some birds on our hike, mostly ducks and geese, but some other kinds as well. To see what is the best time for any particular birds, it would be best to check out their website here to see what species of birds might be in abundance during the month you plan to visit. Under the tab Seasons of Wildlife there is a good month by month explanation of the normal patterns of the birds and other wildlife at the refuge. Visiting at different times of the year can give you a different experience. Note that during hunting season the boardwalk can be closed so again check the website if you go in the fall.
Our visit lasted probably about two and a half hours. We got in a good walk, saw some unique and varied scenery and wildlife, and in general had a pleasant afternoon. So the next time you are driving along I-5 and see the sign for the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, consider pulling off and visiting. It will give you a break from the stress of driving, and you might learn something as well.
Have you been to the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge? Perhaps you were there at a different time of year. I’d love to have you share your experience in the comment section below.
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We discovered the Refuge a few years ago and have gone several time. The boardwalk is level and easy to walk even with Terry’s bum knee. Binoculars are good for seeing animals that are a distance away. It is a large place, so even with many visitors, we have often enjoyed solitude to listen to the birds sing. It is one of our favorite places for an afternoon outing.
Becky, from where you live this would not be a long trip. Yes, even with a busy parking lot, once you are out on the trail or boardwalk, it does not feel crowded.