Yvonne,
The Nisqually isn’t bad for being a close quick trip. Some winters the migratory birds use Nisqually as a stop over and it can be great if they are there, or not so great. Kinda weather dependent. There used to be lots and lots of people walking there, but the changes they made in the last few years cut that down somewhat. I used to live in Tacoma area for years before moving south a few years ago to the Central Valley for work and spent lots and lots of time out and about in the NW.
The Skagit however, it the place to go. Usually awesome birding starting about Jan 1. I have seen over 20 eagles in one tree. My record was over 100 in a day. If you want a good route to do, let me know and I will put it together and send it to you. Eagles, Tundra Swans, many hawks, mostly red tails, but some variety, lots and lots of ducks, snow geese, Ross geese, etc. Flocks of thousands of the geese…
For wildlife go check out the elk feeding station at Oak Creek near the junction of hwy 410 and 12, near Naches in the Winter (Feb). There is also a bighorn sheep feeding station just a couple miles away from the elk feeding station. Worth the trip just to see the large number of elk and sheep that winter there and they make great photos. You can ride the wagon out into the elk herd.
Another good spot in the winter for birds is the Ridgefield NWR, a bit north of Portland just off I-5. This one isnt very big and can be combined with a drive over to the coast along the river and back up around Grays Harbor. Some good birding in Grays Harbor as well in the winter with various things.
Welcome to the NW and happy hiking In the rain!