Exploring Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is located in Olympia just twenty minutes from JBLM! It’s got tons of walking trails, places to picnic, and makes a nice day outside if you need somewhere stroller friendly.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
100 Brown Farm Road, Olympia WA 98516
Sunrise to Sunset Daily
$3 per Vehicle
When you arrive you’ll need to put $3 cash in the provide envelope and put inside the drop box. This is not manned so its honesty policy. Dogs are not allowed on the refuge.
For more info on the refuge, click here.
There is a visitor’s center that is open Wednesday – Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. This is where you can find restrooms and water fountains.
Inside the Visitor’s Center is a small gift shop and an exhibit area. There is an information desk if you have any questions and free maps of the refuge.
At the info desk, if you have kiddos interested in participating, they do a program called the Junior Rangers. Exactly like the National Parks, the kids can grab a booklet and fill out pages to earn a Junior Ranger badge. This is a free program!
We did the Loop trail which is only about a mile and a half, if that. There is a nice wooden boardwalk through the woods and all of the trail is flat. You can definitely bring a stroller if you need to!
Most of the trail is shaded from the trees and it is so lush!
You will pass several spots with creeks and the river! There is not access to get in though.
There are educational signs throughout the walk with birds, insects, info about the area and more.
There is lots to see including animals! We saw squirrels, birds, fish, frogs, bees, and butterflies.
There are also a ton of blackberry bushes on the trail. Im not sure if you are allowed to pick them or not.
There is a beautiful old barn on the trail. You cant go inside but its a gorgeous rustic feel for photos.
We only spent about an hour walking around but its a great spot for a walk or a picnic.
Finding the fun wherever life takes us!
Love, Olivia Michelle
