Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia: Hours, Address, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Reviews: 4.5/5
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Located on the Nisqually River Delta in Southern Puget Sound, this refuge consists of three thousand acres of salt and freshwater marshes, grasslands and mixed forest habitats that provide a resting and nesting area for a wide variety of migratory birds.
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Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
80 within 3 miles
Nisqually Bar and Grill
49
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Medicine Creek Cafe
23
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Diner
Tacos la Fuente
5
0.8 mi$ • Mexican
Curry Corner
202
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Arepa Latin Street Food
15
1.3 mi$ • Latin • Fast Food • Spanish
Cebu Restaurant
61
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Filipino • Asian
Jersey Mike's Subs
6
1.5 mi$$ - $$$
Subway
5
1.5 miQuick Bites • Fast Food
Bacco Trattoria Italiana
5
1.6 miItalian
Kobo Teriyaki Restaurant
2
1.6 mi
Attractions
19 within 6 miles
Nisqually Reach Nature Center
54
1.8 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
Lake Quinault
154
Bodies of Water
Stottle Winery
7
1.8 miWineries & Vineyards
Medicine Creek Winery
3
1.8 miWineries & Vineyards
Salish Sea Organic Liqueurs
2
1.8 miDistilleries
Thurston County Off Leash Dog Park
5
1.8 miParks
Tolmie State Park
53
State Parks • Bodies of Water
Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head
24
Hiking Trails
Madsen Family Cellars
6
2.7 miWineries & Vineyards
Regal Martin Village Stadium 16 & IMAX
44
Arenas & Stadiums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
611 reviews
Excellent
423
Very good
154
Average
31
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Parker
Houston, TX3 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
My husband and I are on a 2 week vacation around Washington state and stopped here on a whim. We arrived around 3pm one day and loved it so much we got up to come back at sunrise the next day. We saw many eagles - one with a squirrel catch and one perched on a tree close enough to photograph. We saw a harbor seal swimming in the river (albeit brief), many ducks and several beautiful herons. On our way out we saw a river otter playing in the pond by the nature center! We met a regular there who had just spotted and photographed a mink. Wonderful place with much to see if you look!
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
travellinggal10
82 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This is a really beautiful place. When we visited it was not even very crowded, but it is not the best time currently to view the wildlife and the birds. For most birds winter time would probably be better. It is very beautiful in there though and the mile long boardwalk trail along the delta is a must to do walk.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Garry C
Perth, Canada4 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
I am a bit mobility challenged but the walk in on the trails and out over the water was one of the highlights of my trip to Olympia. I was here before, years ago but the removal of the artificial structures has had a spectacular result. So many species in such numbers!!!! Don’t miss out.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lisa S
7 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I have driven by a zillion times , so glad I stopped! I caught a calm winter day with sun & clouds-it was really dynamic over the water. I had zero expectations and I can tell you it was exactly what my mind & body needed after typical Pacific NW winter weather. I think I got there at 3 and had to turn around about 4:30 with sun going down. I didn’t make it to the end of the boardwalk out into the sound so look forward to going back. I also plan to return during all the seasons. I was surprised at the variety of bird life in Winter, loved it. LOTS of photographers. I definitely wished i’d had my good camera & binoculars. So grateful for accessible nature areas like this.
Written January 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew B
Tumwater, WA1,422 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Took our first trip ALL THE WAY OUT TO THE END OF THE BOARDWALK. 2 miles out, 2 miles back. Lots of cool views of wildlife.
Birds, nests, boats, bird poop, trees, mud, water, deer, more mud, you get the picture.
Went early (815am) and the temp stayed coolish while out in the sun.
For more shade, stick with the shorter loop.
Good times for the kiddos as well.
Birds, nests, boats, bird poop, trees, mud, water, deer, more mud, you get the picture.
Went early (815am) and the temp stayed coolish while out in the sun.
For more shade, stick with the shorter loop.
Good times for the kiddos as well.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Erin Rutherford
3 contributions
Sep 2019
Bring your kids, bring your cameras, and explore an estuary. (It's a bit of a walk for the sedentary or children, but there's a bathroom at the entrance and another halfway along the 'long' loop.) In spring and summer, look for the garter snakes and mushrooms! In autumn and winter, watch for the berries, ducks and resident year-long herons. I love to go here for the exercise and the sights. The travel lodge has a good selection of research books, and parking is rarely difficult.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oly55
Olympia, WA114 contributions
Dec 2020
Nice place for a long or short nature walk. Family friendly & all level, no hills at all. Please note the boardwalk out to the sound isn’t always open due to maintenance & duck hunting season.
Written January 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Graysonthego
Olympia, WA4 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
This is a nice place for a long walk with mostly flat land. Small hills, stroller accessible! Beautiful views once you get out into the refuge area. 2.1 miles to the end of the boardwalk, round trip 4.2 miles.
Written May 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JustMeriMaat
Washington1 contribution
There are a lot of great things to see at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, but you really have to keep your eyes open. There are frogs, snakes, birds, etc. But many of them remain hidden if you don't stop and look carefully.
Written February 1, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve J
Nephi, UT270 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Seeing the small sign beside I-5 freeway exit 114, we decided we needed a break from the rush of freeway, traffic, and people. Unknown to 99.9% of the passing drivers just a few yards away, we found another time and place. First were the apple trees. Neglected, but still producing beautiful, delicious apples which were just right in mid August. We picked up several beautiful, delicious ones at the free kids educational area. Next was the visitors center. Closed on Monday, but the restrooms clean and appreciated. Saw the swallow in her nest in the corner by the water fountain. Watched the birds feeding on the pond thru the free binoculars.
Then came the boardwalk. Over a mile of shady wooden accessible walkways over the woodlands, besides the river and fields to huge barns and quiet. This was a farm for over 100 years, now reverting to wilderness and wetlands. Further walks along dikes in the wetland to lookout towers and blinds available. Visitor's center open Wed-Sun only. All this for $3.
Then came the boardwalk. Over a mile of shady wooden accessible walkways over the woodlands, besides the river and fields to huge barns and quiet. This was a farm for over 100 years, now reverting to wilderness and wetlands. Further walks along dikes in the wetland to lookout towers and blinds available. Visitor's center open Wed-Sun only. All this for $3.
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Doxagirl
Fife, WA14 contributions
Is this really closed on labor day on mondays and Tuesdays.
Bill C
Plano, TX69 contributions
To my knowledge, the trails are open every day, the visitor's center does not have to be open for you to walk the trails. I do know the visitor's center is only open from Wed thru Sunday
Doxagirl
Fife, WA14 contributions
Where's a good place to meet for a picnic?
Kausar786
Seattle, WA125 contributions
You can meat in the reserve ground about .5 mile or less walking on the trail close to the historical barn. However you may not light up the grill. I am not certain but you may ask at the reserve office. There are about 4 tables under the tree in front of the barn.
Note that it may not be convenient for older folks
Randy B
Sandy, UT
How much to go
MariaT3
Olympia, WA60 contributions
Daily fee is $3.00 per four adults. An Interagency Annual Pass (old Golden Eagle), Senior Pass (old Golden Age), or Access Passport, Federal Duck Stamp, or an Annual Refuge Pass will admit the pass holder and 3 additional adults (over age 16). Children 16 and under enter free. Each of these passes is available for purchase at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Administration Office and Visitor Center.
Are you allowed to have bikes on the trail.
Marcia A
8 contributions
No bikes are allowed; board walk is an uneven surface, and it is narrow.
sedes21
Saint Jerome, Canada2 contributions
Hello,
I would like to know if there is plenty of parking in this area. We have a 27 foot Motorhome. Would it be possible to park ??? Thank-you so much for your help. Have a great day ! Judy
dbjohnson0001
Lacey, WA
What are the hours, where are you located and what is the cost?
TravelPair1968
Steilacoom, WA141 contributions
$3 for four adults, according to their website.
Hours
The Refuge trails are open everyday for wildlife viewing and nature photography from sunrise to sunset. Please note that all pets, including dogs, are not allowed at the Refuge. All activities on a wildlife refuge must be wildlife-dependent, so jogging, bicycling, ball sports and similar activities are, like dogs, not allowed.
Many visitors, especially birders and boaters, have found that it is best to plan a visit to the Refuge according to the tides. The highest concentrations of the estuarine bird species will be most visible within two hours of high tide.
dbjohnson0001
Lacey, WA
Where are you located? What is the cost and what are your hours?
John L
Olympia, WA69 contributions
The refuge lies on the left bank (west) of the Nisqually River at her mouth. That is about eleven miles east of Olympia at exit 114 of I-5. Hours are sunrise to sunset and the fee is $3, well worth the price. It's easy to get to and affordable.
Does it cost anything
Lorraine H
99 contributions
As far as i remember it is a token you give for any upkeep they do, and to preserve the area. There are envelopes, and a drop box.
Enjoy!
Is there places to sit if you get tired on the walk
TommyTomThomas
Olympia, WA164 contributions
Yes! There are benches along the way on the boardwalks on which to sit, or you can just lean against the rail and take in the view, as well. I see all ages from little ones to seniors walking and at their own pace. You'll like it there!
Are dogs allowed
John L
Olympia, WA69 contributions
No. This is a wildlife refuge and pets are not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is open:
- Wed - Sun 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge:
- (2.30 mi) Best Western Plus Lacey Inn & Suites
- (3.77 mi) Best Western Liberty Inn Dupont
- (5.59 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Olympia Lacey
- (8.70 mi) Thornewood Castle
- (4.66 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites DuPont
- Restaurants near Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge:
- (1.43 mi) Curry Corner
- (0.66 mi) Nisqually Bar and Grill
- (0.68 mi) Medicine Creek Cafe
- (8.93 mi) Gardner's Restaurant
- (0.79 mi) Tacos la Fuente
- Attractions near Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge:
- (8.64 mi) Hands On Children's Museum
- (9.68 mi) Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive
- (9.24 mi) Washington State Capitol
- (1.75 mi) Nisqually Reach Nature Center
- (8.87 mi) Farmers Market