Explore the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Located just eight miles east of Olympia, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/refuge/Billy_Frank_Jr_Nisqually/) is one of the true gems of the Evergreen State. While most of the other estuaries in Washington have been filled, dredged or developed, Nisqually was set aside to protect the diverse wildlife habitats of the delta. At 726 acres, this protected area attracts over 300 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. And because of access modifications made over the years, it also offers a rare opportunity for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore the unique Puget Sound ecosystem.
A Short Walk
Getting to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is easy. From Interstate 5, take exit 114 and just follow the signs. A word of warning though — GPS will get you to the right area, but once you hop off the freeway, it’s best to follow the signs.
There’s accessible parking near the Visitor Center, where the accessible trails begin. And your trail choice will depend on your energy level, as there’s a shorter mile-long loop, and a longer four-mile out-and-back hike. The shorter Twin Barns Loop is wide and level with boardwalk and asphalt sections. It winds through a mixed conifer forest dotted with saltwater ponds and offers several shady spots to take a break along the way.
About halfway along the trail the Twin Barns Observation Platform offers an excellent view of the freshwater wetlands and tidal estuary area. There are also some accessible picnic tables in a grassy area. There aren’t any other services — except an accessible porta-potty – so if you plan to picnic there, make sure you pack-in everything you need.
From Twin Barns the trail loops back to the Visitor Center. Make sure and stop at the Riparian Forest Overlook, which is located about 400 feet off the main trail, near the end of the loop. This secluded area is surrounded by water, and the trees are filled with pileated woodpeckers, western tanagers, black-headed grosbeaks and Bullock’s orioles. It’s truly a birdwatcher’s delight; in fact over 200 species of birds visit the refuge over the year, including western sandpipers, marsh wrens and even peregrine falcons.
A Longer Hike
The newer Nisqually Estuary Trail begins just past the Twin Barns Observation Platform on the Twin Barns Loop. A half-mile dirt trail covered in compacted gravel leads over the dike, and although it was built to accessibility standards, some manual wheelchair-users may require assistance.
At the end of the dirt trail, a new mile-long boardwalk winds in to the Nisqually estuary and terminates at the Puget Sound Viewing Platform. And there are several spots along the boardwalk that have low railings for unobstructed wheelchair viewing. It’s important to note that the last 700 feet of the boardwalk is closed during the waterfowl hunting season, from early October to late January. Additionally it’s a wise idea to use the porta-potties at Twin Barns, as there are no facilities on the Nisqually Estuary Trail.
No matter when you visit the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll be treated to a grand wildlife show. Migrating waterfowl increase during the fall, and the Chum salmon return to their spawning ground in November. The winter brings an increase in the raptor population, and in early spring you’ll see nesting bald eagles and migrating sandpipers. The migrating songbirds appear in late spring, and in the summer you’ll spy fledging eagles and migrating shorebirds. It’s a great place for everyone to enjoy all the splendor of Mother Nature.
