Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Many people hike along Crab Creek Trail

A hike out at 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 and includes three interpretive hiking trails. Refuge lands closed as wintering waterfowl sanctuaries are also closed to all public entry from October 1 to March 1 with one exception. Frog Lake Trail Corridor from the trailhead to Frog Lake on top of the bluff is open year round. Maps designating areas open for public use and a map detailing the hiking trails are available from the maps page. For more information about hiking at the Refuge contact the Refuge office.

Interpretive Hiking Trails

Frog Lake Trail: Frog Lake Interpretive Trail is 3 miles long with an elevation gain of 200 feet and offers a scenic path through the Refuge. 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 besides for an 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: 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 trail head.