Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Nature preserve · Thurston County

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Nature preserve · Thurston County

100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98516

Highlights

762-acre protected estuary with trails, an education center, & bird- & whale-watching opportunities.

100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98516 Get directions

fws.gov

@cntraveler

"The place where the Nisqually River, which begins on Mount Rainier, empties into Puget Sound is a protected region open to birdwatchers and casual hikers. This open plain is a river delta, dry or flooded depending on the season. Fortunately, the refuge has elevated wooden platforms that allow access year-round, with views of the various waterfowl that pass through: more than 200 species, from bald eagles to great horned owls. Four miles of flat trails wind through the refuge. Don't miss the Puget Sound Viewing Platform, farthest out into the delta, where whales can be spotted by keen-eyed observers. Located just off I-5 near Olympia, the refuge is an ideal spot in a Seattle-to- Portland drive; a quick detour yet instant entry into the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest." - Hannah Kirshner, Allison Williams

13 Best Hikes in Seattle | Condé Nast Traveler

View Postcard for Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Bob

Google

Great outdoor nature park to visit if you are in the area. Since this is the federal land, annual America the Beautiful pass was accepted. The boardwalk was awesome that allowed us to walk through forest and marshes without getting dirt on yourself. The trails are well marked with historical structures on site.

Jesse Anna Solovey

Google

We went on a Twin Barns Loop Trail during a high tide and saw mainly bullfrogs and birds. Definitely will have to come back and check out the longer trail. The employees/volunteers are very nice and can help you to identify the wildlife. Along the trail you'll also find information boards; take a look at the songbird one, it's really fun. The website has a lot of great resources too. They even have a section that informs you what you can see during different tide levels. Parking is $3 (they don’t accept discover pass)

Edwin Rushton

Google

What a great time. There are approximately 3 miles in trails. Everywhere on the reserve you can hear birds chirping. Plenty of benches and signs along the trail. Looking to the west from the twin barn lookout you can sit and listen to the birds as the sun sets. Quite the magical place.

M Con

Google

Wonderful nature reserve, with well maintained boardwalk that meanders around most of the wetland area. Birds and wildlife are plentiful in the greenery. Billy Frank’s is a terrific place to experience the natural world! Though the parking lot was full of cars, it did not feel crowded while we walked along filling our eyes and ears with local flora and fauna. Good information center/ gift shop.

Holly McRae

Google

Spent a lovely three hours here. What an amazing and beautiful place to explore. We appreciated all of the signs along the way teaching about many of the animals at the refuge. This was definitely worth the $3.00 parking fee! We borrowed binoculars at the visitor center. The staff members were all so friendly and welcoming.

Stacey DeVaney

Google

Always such a beautiful place. It's a little bumpy on the boardwalk if you have a wheelchair or a knee scooter. The gravel path is kind of hard to push through as well. But it was so absolutely beautiful. It is prettier when it's high tide though. So check the tides ahead of time 😁

Damon Tighe

Google

Incredible place for seeing birds and just getting to experience a biozone that is usually not easy to walk through: the river interface with sound. A trails lead you past fresh water ponds, the nisqually, and you can walk way way out into the sound on a series of well maintained board walks

Giovanni Antonio Asencio Padilla

Google

A very cheap and enjoyable place. Parking was 3 dollars, and if you have a one of the multiple passes accepted, it's free. As of animals, you'll see a few rarer ones here and there, but it's mostly birds, frogs, and insects, but the scenery is good. There's a few tiny trails, but the last one is the really long one that will tire out kids, but the place is stroller friendly.