Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

People observing wildlife at the Refuge

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. 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 trail head to Frog Lake on top of the bluff is open year round. 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. Throughout the year there are wildlife viewing events held at the Refuge. For more information about specific wildlife viewing opportunities contact the Refuge office.

Viewing Information

Wildlife observation at the Refuge occurs year round

March and April provide the greatest concentrations and numbers 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 Unit 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. Good viewing remains through the fall at Migraine Lake, visible from the Soda Lake Dam. 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 the following.

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

For more information about these or other resources contact the Refuge office.

Viewing Suggestions

Wildlife observation can be enjoyed by all ages

Visit the refuge early in the morning or just before sunset. Animals are usually more active then, especially during the warmer times of the year, and can often be observed coming and going to feeding and resting areas.

Watch for wildlife in areas where two habitats meet. Animals are attracted to the variety of food and shelter found in these transition zones.

Stay in the car. Vehicles are an excellent observation and photographic blind. Animals have grown accustomed to seeing people in cars and are less threatened than by people on foot.

Use binoculars and spotting scopes to get a closer look. The next visitor will appreciate animals not being scared into hiding.

Human voices and sudden movements scare wildlife. When hiking or observing, minimize talking and move slowly.

Study and learn more about wildlife. Many good identification books can assist in determining what species are present or common to the area.