Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: An Easy Boardwalk Hike

Looking for more to explore near the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Head to nearby Tolmie State Park for a beachfront picnic and more hiking.

CURRENT INFO

Check out the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge website for more information. Current trail reviews are available on the Washington Trails Association (WTA) website. The trail is also included in the excellent hiking guidebook Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington by Susan Elderkin.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Since the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a federal site, it’s covered by both the America the Beautiful pass (or other national parks pass) and the Northwest Forest Pass, or you can pay a day use fee of $3.00. If you don’t already have an America the Beautiful Pass, you can purchase one at the visitor center when it is open. Check ahead of time to see if you qualify for a free or reduced price pass — seniors, fourth graders and active military do!
• Bring $3.00 in cash to cover the parking fee if you do not have a pass and do not plan to purchase one at the visitor center. Only cash and checks are accepted, no credit cards.
• Although the trails here cover five miles total, it’s easy to shorten your visit, making it an excellent rest stop for anyone traveling along I-5. Hike as far as you like along the boardwalk, then turn around. The short loop trail near the visitor center is also a good way to stretch your legs.
• The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk.
• The Norm Dicks Visitor Center is open from 9am to 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The gift shop here sells a good selection of books as well as national park passes.
• Restrooms are available at the visitor center. Restrooms can be accessed outside visitor center hours.
• An outdoor drinking fountain is available at the visitor center.
• No pets are allowed on trails at the wildlife refuge.
• The wildlife refuge is home to a wide range of birds and other wildlife, and is a popular spot for birding year round. Pamphlets available outside the visitor center give a brief overview of some of the many species that are found here at different times of year.
• Bring binoculars if you are a serious birder (heck, even casual birders should bring them!). Those interested may also want to utiluze their favorite birding apps, zoom lenses, or field guides. While the free pamphlets at the visitor center contain some interesting facts, they aren’t much help in identifying different birds.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to slow down and step into nature along Washington’s I-5 corridor. With its proximity to the freeway, you will hear some road noise, but this quickly fades into the background as you explore this enchanting estuary. Keep an eye out for birds of all shapes and sizes, and don’t forget your binoculars. On my visit, I mostly saw Mallard ducks and Canada geese, but I also spotted buffleheads, a sandpiper, and a heron, in addition to several other species I couldn’t identify.

The view from the boardwalk is gorgeous at any time of year. Even on a grey day, I was mesmerized by the vast expanse of silvery water. It’s a true escape into nature, even if you only have an hour to spare.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore with children of any age. There’s no pressure to complete the full boardwalk hike — go for as long as you want, stop frequently for bird sightings, and take advantage of the restrooms before hopping back on I-5. Just be sure that the kids know not to run or shout. The wildlife refuge is popular for birders and others seeking a quiet outdoor experience, and we don’t want to scare off the wildlife. If you have a little extra time on your drive down I-5, this is a fun alternative to the standard humdrum freeway rest stop. If you’re traveling with any fur babies, keep in mind that pets are not allowed on trails, and cannot go beyond the parking lot.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Not far from the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Tolmie State Park is another great place to explore. Tolmie is an especially good choice if you have kids who need to run out their energy, or if want to take your dog on the trail with you. It’s an ideal location for a beachside picnic. For more wildlife spotting, head to the Woodard Bay Conservation Area.

Those hungry for a tasty treat should check out Left Bank Pastry in Olympia. The pastries here are top tier, so expect a line when you arrive.

Further afield, Harstine Island is home to a few lesser known state parks. At the north end of this quiet island, Jarrell Cove hosts a small campground and marina. Explore more on a hike to Fudge Point or consider an adventurous ramble at low tide to McMicken Island.

For years, a visit to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge has been on my bucket list. Not that I have an actual bucket list — it’s more of a loose collection of places floating around in my head. They aren’t always glamorous or exotic, just places that spark my curiosity. Considering how frequently I drive I-5 between Seattle and Portland, it may seem surprising I had never stopped by the refuge, but all too often my focus is on the destination rather than the journey. It was finally time to slow down and see what the refuge has to offer.

After pulling into the parking lot, I was met with an unexpected challenge: I had no cash for the $3 day use fee, and my America the Beautiful pass had recently expired. Fortunately, I was able to scrounge up $3 in coins and deposit my trailhead payment outside the visitor center. Eager to get going, I headed out on the Twin Ponds Loop Trail, admiring the striking fall colors from the boardwalk.

This section of the trail was quiet. Most visitors seem to head directly from the parking lot to the main boardwalk over the estuary, while I opted to do a slightly longer counterclockwise loop. The boardwalk along this stretch was slick from recent rain. If you prefer a less slippery path, there is a trail that follows closely alongside the boardwalk for much of this route. A couple of short detours lead to viewpoints along the creek and river, and interpretive signs highlight the local nature and human history.

At the end of the wooded trail, I stopped for the view of the Nisqually River, then turned back to follow the wide gravel trail along the delta. The trees gave way to boggy marshland to my left, while on the right the shallow waters of the tidelands shimmered faintly under grey skies. A few other visitors were clearly here for the birds, with large viewing scopes and zoom lenses at the ready. As for myself, well, I’d forgotten to even bring a pair of binoculars.

The trail led directly to the main boardwalk. This mile-long masterpiece snakes its way across the estuary, passing flocks of seabirds that gather here for the plentiful food and calm conditions. I spotted a few gatherings of ducks, buffleheads, and seagulls relaxing in the shallows, while a sandpiper and heron diligently searched for a snack. Geese occasionally passed overhead, as well as a bird of prey I couldn’t identify. An osprey, perhaps?

I didn’t make it to the end of the boardwalk, as the last 700 feet were temporarily closed. It’s a seasonal closure during hunting season that occurs from mid-October through early February each year. Fortunately, the majority of the boardwalk is still open to enjoy.

After enjoying the views from a new angle on the trip back along the boardwalk, I turned onto the gravel trail. This time, I headed right at the first intersection, following the trail past the twin barns on my way to the parking lot. This area was once home to a dairy farm. Today, few signs of the farm remain, other than the distinctive white barns.

Back at the parking lot, I popped into the gift shop for a quick look before heading out on the road. The brisk walk left me feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the drive ahead. After all these years, I finally made it to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge! And while it may have been my first visit, I’m sure it won’t be the last.