Recreation

The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether boating, driving or hiking. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats. For question about recreation, please contact the refuge office.

Wildlife Observation

Watching wildlife can be a very exciting and rewarding experience. The refuge offers many great places to observe the unique wildlife of the region. Wildlife observation is permitted in areas open to public use. March and April provide the greatest concentrations and numbers of wildlife for viewing when tens of thousands of ducks, geese and cranes are visiting. Refuge farm fields off Barton, "E" SE, and Corfu Roads are popular viewing sites, while Marsh Units 1 and 2 are excellent wetlands to observe.

During spring and summer almost the entire refuge is open to the public. This is a great time to view wildlife in the marshes and beyond. Several species of ducks nest on the refuge, with mallards, gadwalls, redheads, cinnamon and blue-winged teal, and ruddy ducks being the most common.

In the fall northern migrants return, and much of the refuge closes to all public entry to provide critical undisturbed sanctuary for the birds. Refuge lands important as wintering waterfowl sanctuaries are closed to all public entry from October 1 to March 1 with one exception; the Frog Lake Trail from the trail head to Frog Lake on top of the bluff is open year round. However, good viewing opportunities remain at Migraine Lake, visible from the Soda Lake Dam. Also, thousands of ducks and geese can be seen throughout the winter at Royal Lake from the overlook at the south end of Byers Road.

There are many resources that provide information about wildlife observation in the area. Some of them discussing viewing sites at the refuge include:

• Washington State Birding Trail: Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway (brochure)
• Washington Wildlife Viewing Guide
• Important Bird Areas of Washington, compiled by Tim Cullinan
• Birders Guide to Washington, by Hal Opperman

Throughout the year there are wildlife viewing events held at the refuge. Please check back for more information about specific wildlife viewing opportunities.

Maps designating areas open for public use are available from the maps page. General information about the wildlife at the refuge is available on the wildlife and habitats page.

Hiking

A hike on the refuge provides a great opportunity to observe some of the magnificent plants, flowers and wildlife of the area. Hiking is permitted in areas open to public use. There are three interpretive hiking trails.

Frog Lake Trail: The Frog Lake Interpretive Trail is 3 miles long with an elevation gain of 200 feet. Although starting out near Crab Creek, this trail promptly leads into the drier shrub-steppe habitat. After meandering past striking columnar basalt formations, the trail ascends, circling the top of a mesa providing a beautiful view of the refuge.

Marsh Loop: The Marsh Loop is about 1.8 miles long and, except for a small incline down from the parking lot, has no elevation change. This trail follows Crab Creek and circles two marshes, remaining in the low lands near wetland habitat. Interpretive signs along the way discuss the habitat and species living in the area.

Crab Creek Trail: The Crab Creek Trail forms a loop about 1 mile long. The loop primarily follows Crab Creek, offering an immersion into its riparian habitat. With scattered willows and large patches of wild rose bushes, this trail is a favorite among many birders. For an extended hike, there is an additional 3/4-mile section of trail connecting the Crab Creek Trail loop to the Frog Lake and Marsh Loop trailheads.

Boating

Boats or other flotation devices are not allowed on impoundments in or along Crab Creek in Marsh Units I and II. During the hunting season, non-gasoline motored floatation devices are allowed within Marsh Units I. Boats propelled by gasoline motors are prohibited on Upper and Lower Hampton, Hutchinson and Shiner Lakes. Powered and non-powered boats are allowed on all other waters open for fishing. Personal watercrafts are not allowed on any waters found within the refuge boundary.

A recommended area for canoeing is at the Hutchinson and Shiner Lakes. View a map of the Hutchinson Shiner canoe area at the maps page.

Auto Tour

Following the auto tour route is a great way to observe the rich geologic history, habitats and wildlife of the refuge. Remember, all gravel roads are primitive so use caution. A map of the auto tour route is available on the maps page.

Drumheller Overlook: A great place to view the geologic evolution of the refuge, specifically the eroded canyons and isolated cliffs caused by the glacial floods, is from the Drumheller Interpretive Site. This overlook was created in 1986 when the Drumheller Channels were designated as a National Natural Landmark. This designation recognizes the geological significance of the Drumheller Channels on and around the refuge. The auto tour map notes the location of the Drumheller viewpoint, which is also the start of a short trail that leads to the overlook where there are interpretive signs.

Marsh Unit 1: The marsh units on the refuge are developed marshes that attract lots of wildlife. Many species of birds find the areas ideal for resting, feeding or nesting. Parking for the overlook of Marsh Unit 1 is noted on the auto tour map by the binocular symbol.

Hunting and Fishing

Refuge Signs
Millions of people visit National Wildlife Refuges every year. Signs grant or restrict certain activities to provided optimum freedom for visitors, while also protecting refuge elements from undue abuse. Please respect the following signs.
	This sign marks refuge boundaries. You may enter the area only on designated access routes. Respect the refuge boundaries. Unauthorized entry upon private lands is a trespass violation.
	This area is closed to all entry. No hunting, fishing or sight seeing is permitted. No roads or trails are open to the public. Posting of seasonal closures varies. Contact the refuge office for more information.
	This sign can be used alone or beneath a boundary sign. The area behind this sign may be hunted as permitted by refuge regulations.
	No vehicles are permitted beyond this sign, only foot travel is permitted.