Trails

A man and woman walk away from the photographer on a boardwalk trail winding through deciduous trees with brightly colored autumn leaves in sunshine.
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Four miles of trails offer access to a diversity of habitats within Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge with views of native plants and wildlife, from amphibians to mammals. The trails are relatively flat and accessible wooden boardwalks and gravel paths. Interpretive panels give a glimpse of what can be seen, or heard, along the route. Average time spent on the trails is approximately two hours but is dependent on wildlife activity and individual preference. Benches are placed on all trails except the gravel Nisqually Estuary Trail. Depending on the season and weather forecast, be prepared with raingear and water. Restrooms are located adjacent to the Norm Dicks Visitor Center, and portable toilets are placed at the Twin Barns.

Hoffman Hill Trail

Trail Length (mi)
0.57
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Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk

This elevated boardwalk provides superb views over salt marsh, mudflats, and a tidal river. At the start of the trail on the south end, there is a covered, raised shelter with viewing scopes. At the far (north) end, there is a covered shelter, also with viewing scopes. Wildlife viewing varies depending on the tide. There are a few benches along the boardwalk. It can be windy and exposed at times, and the nearest porta-john is back at the Twin Barns, so plan ahead!
Trail Length (mi)
1.05
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
1 Hour
Route Type
Loop
Suitability
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
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Nisqually Estuary Trail

The Nisqually Estuary Trail links the Twin Barns Loop to the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk. The surface is packed gravel. This earthen levee separates the estuary from freshwater wetlands, giving wide-open wildlife viewing opportunities. There are no trees for shade, so be prepared and plan accordingly on hot summer days. The nearest restrooms are portables located at the Twin Barns. No benches are along this trail to allow refuge vehicle access and vegetation maintenance along the edges.
Trail Length (mi)
0.59
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
30 Minutes
Suitability
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
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Nisqually River Overlook Trail

This short spur can be reached from the Twin Barns Loop or the Nisqually Estuary Trail, and offers a look over the Nisqually River. There are benches and viewing scopes. During salmon migration, the fish may be seen moving upstream, tailed by harbor seals and other predators!
Trail Length (mi)
0.08
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
2 Hours
Suitability
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
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Riparian Forest Trail

This short, secluded spur trail can be reached from the east side of the Twin Barns Loop. It is a short walk from the 1st parking lot. The boardwalk enters a grove of tall cottonwood trees, crossing a small stream that can completely fill up and spill over during high tides. When the tide is low, plants like skunk cabbage may be seen growing from the mud.
Trail Length (mi)
0.08
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Road to Twin Barns Trail

This packed gravel road runs straight to the Twin Barns. Freshwater wetland is along the west side, offering great viewing of waterfowl in winter. There are no benches on this route.
Trail Length (mi)
0.67
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Twin Barns Loop Trail

This is a popular trail with a lot of habitat diversity. The west side of the loop (beginning from the 2nd parking lot) is on boardwalk, with occasional benches, offering views over ponds and wetland, curving through clusters of trees. The east side runs through tidally-influenced forest, ponds, and woodland, mostly on boardwalk with some stretched of packed gravel. A spur at the northeast end of the loop overlooks the Nisqually River. Another spur on the southeast portion extends deeper into the tidal forest. The east side of the loop connects to the 1st parking lot.
Trail Length (mi)
0.89
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Twin Barns Overlook Trail

This short spur trail is on elevated boardwalk, which gradually rises to an overlook platform with benches and viewing scopes.
Trail Length (mi)
0.10
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