Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

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Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Photo: USFWS Pacific · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

🥾 Hike · Olympia

2.5 hours · $ · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 4.0
1–3 yrs
★ 4.0
3–5 yrs
★ 4.0
5–10 yrs
★ 4.0
  • 🚗
    About 65 min drive
    From Bellevue · Parking: Refuge lot, $3/car (cash or envelope drop; National Parks annual pass accepted)
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Little shade
    Great on sunny days · Good on cool days · Wind-OK
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 2.5 hours
    Best seasons: Fall · Winter · Spring

A vast wetland at the mouth of the Nisqually River: the 1-mile accessible Twin Barns loop passes old barns and alder groves, with herons, ducks, and thousands of migrating birds in winter; if you have energy left, the 4-mile estuary boardwalk awaits.

💡 Tips
Binoculars can be borrowed at the visitor center. Winter has the most birds but it's windy, so dress warm; summer brings mosquitoes. Olympia's Hands On Children's Museum is nearby for a combined trip.

What this place offers

✓boardwalk
✓bird watching
✓estuary
✓old barns
✓visitor center
✓restrooms
✓accessible

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This weekend's weather in Olympia

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☁️
Sat 10/17
Overcast · 50–65°F · 36% rain
☁️
Sun 10/18
Overcast · 42–62°F · 0% rain

Location

Olympia, Washington

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