Nisqually Refugespring migration
Western sandpipers and dunlin: flocks of approximately 5,000 forage on the delta mudflats during northward migration in late April and early May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Nisqually Refuge · September
- Chinook salmon moving up the Nisqually River to spawn, June to September · Jun–Sep
203days to the next spring migration seasonLate April and early May, local timing
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Feb: Sea ducks and black brant in the Nisqually Reach: February is the best timeFeb
- Bald eagles nesting from March; chicks usually hatch later in AprilMar–Apr
- Mar: Spring migrant birds arriving: the last week of March may be the best time to see and hear themMar
- About 5,000 western sandpipers and dunlin on the delta mudflats, late April and early MayApr–May
- May: Bird song as breeding begins; ground-nesting birds underway, MayMay
- Chinook salmon moving up the Nisqually River to spawn, June to SeptemberNowJun–Sep
- Jul: Juvenile bald eagles flying and foraging on the refuge, JulyJul
- Research Natural Area closed to all boats, October 1 to March 31 (trails stay open)Oct–Mar
- Wintering geese and ducks, December and JanuaryDec–Jan
Where to watch
- Nisqually Estuary BoardwalkA 1.05-mile elevated boardwalk over salt marsh, mudflats and a tidal river, with covered shelters and viewing scopes at both ends; what you see depends on the tide, it can be windy and exposed, and the walk to its far end is about 4 miles round trip
- Nisqually Estuary TrailA 0.59-mile packed-gravel levee between the estuary and the freshwater wetlands, linking the Twin Barns Loop to the boardwalk, with wide-open views; no shade and no benches, and the nearest restrooms are the portables at the Twin Barns
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Rules and Policies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Western sandpipers and dunlin: flocks of approximately 5,000 forage on the delta mudflats during northward migration in late April and early May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Late April and early May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the spring migration season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 203 days (Late April and early May, local timing).
Does the tide matter for shorebirds?
Yes. Tides of 10 feet or less expose lots of mud, which is good for herons, shorebirds and dabbling ducks; at 10-11 feet the water covers most of the mudflats around the Estuary Boardwalk. Check the tide before you go.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the refuge, from the entrance road and parking areas on, and can't be left in vehicles.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I run or bike the trails?
No, the trails are for walking only. Cyclists can arrive by road and use the bike rack across from the Norm Dicks Visitor Center.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What else arrives in spring besides the shorebirds?
Spring migrants start arriving in March, and the last week of March may be the best time to see and hear them. Rufous hummingbirds come back too, feeding on the early flowers of salmonberry and Indian-plum.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When do the bald eagles nest?
They start nesting in March as the rains ease. In April the pair sits on the eggs, and the chicks usually hatch later that month. The conifer forests on the bluffs above the delta give them perches and nest sites.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What is May like?
Wet, cloudy weather begins giving way to the odd clear day, ground-nesting birds are underway and breeding begins, so the refuge fills with bird song. Songbirds feast on the insects drawn to the new leaves.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I play bird calls to bring birds closer?
No. Calling in birds with recordings or a phone isn't allowed on national wildlife refuges, and federal rules prohibit disturbing wildlife.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I see the delta by kayak?
Not from the refuge: there are no launch sites along its trails and roads, and the closest launch is Luhr's Landing. On the delta, personal watercraft are limited to 5 mph, and the Sanctuary between the Estuary Boardwalk and the river is closed to all boating. The Research Natural Area is closed to all boats from October 1 through March 31.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What does a visit cost, and when can I come?
The grounds are open every day from sunrise to sunset, and the visitor center 9 to 4, Wednesday to Sunday. Entry is $3.00 a day per four adults (under 16s free), cash or check only. If you'll come back often, the Annual Refuge Pass for this refuge is $12.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Raingear and water, depending on the season and the forecast; most visitors spend about two hours on the trails. Watch for stinging nettle, which grows beside the trails and can hang over the rails.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Trails ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk: a 1.05-mile elevated boardwalk over salt marsh, mudflats and a tidal river, with covered shelters and viewing scopes at both ends; what you see depends on the tide, it can be windy and exposed, and the walk to its far end is about 4 miles round trip; Nisqually Estuary Trail: a 0.59-mile packed-gravel levee between the estuary and the freshwater wetlands, linking the Twin Barns Loop to the boardwalk, with wide-open views; no shade and no benches, and the nearest restrooms are the portables at the Twin Barns.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Research Natural Area closed to all boats, October 1 to March 31 (trails stay open) (Oct–Mar).
What is Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Wintering geese and ducks, December and January (Dec–Jan), Sea ducks and black brant in the Nisqually Reach: February is the best time (Feb), About 5,000 western sandpipers and dunlin on the delta mudflats, late April and early May (Apr–May), Chinook salmon moving up the Nisqually River to spawn, June to September (Jun–Sep), Research Natural Area closed to all boats, October 1 to March 31 (trails stay open) (Oct–Mar), Spring migrant birds arriving: the last week of March may be the best time to see and hear them (Mar), Bald eagles nesting from March; chicks usually hatch later in April (Mar–Apr), Juvenile bald eagles flying and foraging on the refuge, July (Jul) and Bird song as breeding begins; ground-nesting birds underway, May (May).