Brown Farm Dike Trail - Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 47° 04.333 W 122° 42.726
10T E 521858 N 5213229
This trail is a 5 1/2 mile loop through the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, a National Natural Landmark. If you are a birder, then this is the hike for you.
Waymark Code: WM1EWP
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 04/22/2007
Views: 74
This trail is a 5 1/2 mile loop through the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, a National Natural Landmark. The official National Natural Landmark Webpage calls it "an unusually fine example of an estuarine ecosystem, and the only natural resting area for migratory waterfowl in the southern Puget Sound region."
This flat trail is on boardwalk and along the top of a gravel dike. Along the trail are two observation structures along with several viewing binoculars and benches. It's a favorite for birders and wildlife photographers. Today as we hiked we saw 4 blue heron, a beautiful wood duck and his mate, and numerous songbirds. Once when we visited a bald eagle swooped right over our heads as he came down to fish.
There is parking at the trailhead and a beautiful new visitor information center. Use of the refuge is $3 and is payed in envelopes available at a kiosk near the entrance to the visitor center. No dogs are allowed in the refuge due to the sensitivity of the area. For a map of the refuge link here.