Located in Olympia, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning wildlife preserve that’s operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It was created in 1974 to be a place for waterfowl and other migratory birds to relax and enjoy life. And thanks to its heavily boardwalked paths, you can do the same thing there.

The refuge is now named after Nisqually tribe leader and treaty rights activist Billy Frank, Jr., who died in 2014.
Jim Culp / Flickr
To reach it, you'll take Exit 114 from I-5 and follow the signs. The refuge is in between Olympia and Fort Lewis.
You'll see all kinds of birds here -- over 200 species have been spotted.
Jim Culp / Flickr
From ducks and owls to falcons and swallows, this place is a bird lover's paradise
And you can get an up-close-and-personal look at the wildlife from the Nisqually boardwalk.
Jim Culp / Flickr
The boardwalk stretches right over the Nisqually River.

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Follow the boardwalk through the trees and you just might see some other wildlife.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Facebook
And if nothing else, you'll love spending time in nature.
There are several miles worth of trails here, so you'll get some exercise while checking out the exotic birds.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Facebook
Fishing is allowed, but it's permitted by boat access only and is limited in order to support conservation efforts.
The wildlife refuge is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Facebook
The fee is $3 for every four adults. Start at the Visitor Center (open Monday - Friday) for all the information you'll need and some cool interpretive exhibits.

Boardwalks definitely make hiking and exploring nature easier for all. Check out this list for more boardwalked paths.

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