Hello readers, here’s a birding post after a long time. I recently visited one of the top-rated birding spots in Washington, the Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge in Olympia. In this blog post, I will share my experience, thoughts, and some tips that will be handy on your trip to this birder’s paradise.
About Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge
Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Olympia, located at the mouth of the Nisqually River. It is named after Billy Frank Jr, a well-known Native American environmental leader and treaty rights activist from the Nisqually tribe.
The refuge spreads over 4500 acres of diverse ecosystems, including estuarine, freshwater, and riparian habitats. The primary goal of this refuge is to provide essential habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl, shorebirds, and salmon. Moreover, it also plays an important role in conservation and maintaining the ecological health of Puget Sound.
The wildlife refuge is perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and nature photography. Each habitat showcases a unique form of natural beauty and wildlife. Additionally, you can participate in interpretive and educational programs and guided tours led by the staff and volunteers, providing insight into the wildlife, habitats, and conservation efforts. You can find more details about the programs on their website.
Here’s a quick glimpse of our day at Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge and what we did.
Our day at Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge
Car is the best way to reach this wildlife refuge from Seattle. So, we booked our Zip Car and headed South of I5 towards Olympia. If you’re coming from Olympia, you can take a bus to the Olympia Transit Center and then take a cab to the refuge.
We visited the refuge in the first week of April on a gloomy day, unsure of how many birds we would see. We began our journey at 10 AM from our home in Seattle, having already booked a Zip Car to make the trip more convenient. If you’re coming from Olympia, you can also reach here by public transit. Take a bus to the Olympia Transit Center and then hail a cab to the refuge.
I always enjoy a nice drive to Olympia, especially on a clear day when the mighty Tahoma blesses us with her immense presence.
Upon arriving at the wildlife refuge, we made our first stop at the Norm Dicks Visitor Center. The visitor center has a small museum that provides information on the various habitats and the species found in this region. We also purchased a cute Beaver fridge magnet from the gift shop and paid the $3 parking fee at the entrance before making our way to the trail.
It was a cloudy day with a low chance of rain. We were hoping that it wouldn’t rain, but unfortunately, our trip got cut short due to the downpour. However, I was still able to capture some beautiful birds with my camera, even though some of them flew away before I could click a picture.
We started our hike at the Twin Barns loop trail, starting from the visitor center. There are two paths connecting to the same trail, one is a wooden boardwalk and the other is a concrete road. We traversed the boardwalk, exploring the wetland region and chasing birds. We saw many Yellow-rumped Warblers, Song Sparrows, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets hopping around the trees. It was the best feeling to be in a place where the air was alive with the sights and sounds of the wild.
As we reached the end of the trail, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Nisqually River from the overlook point. The view was nothing short of mesmerizing, with the river winding its way through the landscape like a ribbon. We paused for a moment to take in the beauty of our surroundings, feeling a sense of peace wash over us.
From there, we headed towards the Nisqually Estuary Trail. However, due to a sudden downpour, we only went until the beginning of the Estuary Boardwalk point. Despite the rain, we were able to see birds like Canada Goose, Shoveler, American Coot, and Widgeon frolicking in the wetlands. I also caught a glimpse of a majestic Great Blue Heron standing stoically amidst the raindrops. Though I longed to capture its beauty on camera, the weather had other plans. Nevertheless, the sight of such a magnificent creature filled me with awe and gratitude for the wonders of the natural world.
On our way back, we stopped by the Twin Barns observation deck to admire the view once more. From this vantage point, we could see the refuge in all its glory, a patchwork of greens and blues stretching as far as the eye could see. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
As we made our way back to the visitor center, my thoughts lingered on the day’s highlights. The sight of Yellow-Rumped Warblers flitting among the branches and the thrill of spotting a Ruby-crowned Kinglet were memories I would cherish forever. Despite the rain, we had a day of adventure and discovery, a reminder of the magic that awaits in the great outdoors.
We promised ourselves that we would return to this sanctuary on a sunny day, to explore the remaining parts, especially the Estuary Boardwalk. Until then, I’ll hold onto the memories of today’s journey, grateful for the opportunity to connect with nature in all its splendor.
For lunch, we stopped at an award-winning restaurant, Medicine Creek Cafe, a cozy diner known for its hearty fare. We relished the Tahoma breakfast, a mouthwatering feast of hash browns, biscuits, fried chicken, gravy, and eggs cooked to perfection. To wash it all down, we treated ourselves to a Butterfinger milkshake, a sweet indulgence that left us smiling from ear to ear.
With our bellies full and our spirits lifted, we bid farewell to the refuge, already dreaming of our next adventure in the wilderness.
As we drove away, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for places like the Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge, where nature’s wonders await around every corner. Until next time, I’ll carry the memories of today’s journey in my heart, a reminder of the beauty and magic that surround us.
Tips to help you plan better
- Carry an umbrella with you as there are not too many shaded shelters around, so an umbrella will help you continue your hike.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and preferably waterproof to keep your feet warm and comfy.
- Carry plenty of water to keep you hydrated. The trails are long and it’s easy to feel dehydrated on a sunny day.
- Don’t forget to carry your binoculars for sighting birds.
