The Nisqually Unit consists of multiple parcels near the confluence of the Nisqually River and Puget Sound, and adjacent to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. This unit features a nature center, boat launch, and viewing dock. The property was purchased for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, boating, sightseeing, photography, and nature study. Habitats on this unit include tidal flats, estuary, riparian, open fields and forest, attracting waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds.
The Nisqually Unit is located about 9 miles northeast of Olympia, in Thurston County, near the confluence of the Nisqually River and Puget Sound and adjacent to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
The Nisqually Unit is within the Nisqually River watershed. The unit is adjacent to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Surrounding land uses include private residential and agriculture.
This unit is part of the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 666, 652
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Parking area
- Restroom
- Nature center
- Boat launch
- Viewing dock
Recreation and access advisories
- Open fires and fireworks are prohibited.
- Overnight parking and camping are prohibited. This area is closed between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am.
Wildlife viewing
A viewing dock offers opportunities to watch wildlife, including migratory waterfowl and raptors.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Other recreational opportunities
This unit offers opportunities for photography.
Conservation
Habitat types include tidal flats, estuary, riparian, open fields and forest.
Special habitats and species
This unit provides habitat for many common species found throughout western Washington such as deer, elk, fox, bobcat, coyote, hare, raccoon, river otter, beaver, muskrat, small rodents, shrews, hawks, owls, ducks, geese, swallows, red-winged blackbird, killdeer, woodpeckers and a variety of song birds.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and enhance Endangered Species Act listed fish habitat
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for both fish and wildlife resources
This unit provides habitat for many common species found throughout western Washington such as deer, elk, fox, bobcat, coyote, hare, raccoon, river otter, beaver, muskrat, small rodents, shrews, hawks, owls, ducks, geese, swallows, red-winged blackbird, killdeer, woodpeckers and a variety of song birds.
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and enhance Endangered Species Act listed fish habitat
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for both fish and wildlife resources
Land stewardship
The Nisqually Unit was purchased for outdoor recreation, including public hunting and fishing, sightseeing, photography, nature study and boating.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1966 and 1970.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Management Plan (January 2022)
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.
Planning Advisory Committee
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Advisory Committee