A beautiful sunrise greeted me as I headed down to Seattle to start an outing with members of the Wounded Warriors Foundation hosted by Outdoors For All. Our destination was the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge located off I-5 near Olympia. It is an accessible site that provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and learning about the restoration of the Nisqually River delta. It was  my first visit to an accessible trail since the passing of my wife and  walking in the area brought back good memories of our many adventures.

     Trails head out from the Norm Dicks Visitor Center, where exhibits describe the estuary and bird migration patterns. A one mile  boardwalk winds through tall cottonwood trees to a viewpoint overlooking the Nisqually River. A group of birdwatchers had a telescope set up that allowed us to see a Great Horned Owl perched in a tree. Interpretative signs provided information about wildlife in the area. A .5 mile gravel trail lead us to the one mile Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk trail. The tide was out so we were treated to the sight of birds feeding and the aroma of the tideflats. We watched a Peregrine Falcon dive into a flock of shorebirds and saw eagles soaring high above us. Strategically located telescopes at observation platforms helped us get a close up view of the tideflats. Mt Rainer was visible in the distance. We stopped for lunch and enjoyed the warmth of the 70 degree temperatures while we talked. Woolly caterpillars, frogs and a snake caught the attention of children in the group.The trip is about 4 miles round  trip.  There was an accessible outhouse located along the trail and accessible restrooms were located at the visitor center.

     Directions: Take I-5 to exit  114, located 8 miles east of  Olympia. follow the signs to the parking area. Hours are from sunrise to sunset. There is a $3.00 entrance fee per 4  adults.