U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Pacific Region
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Recreation
Wildlife Observation Hiking Boating Auto Tour

 

 

Recreation

 

Hikers
Hikers enjoy the view from the top of a mesa
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. Regulations of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the Refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats. For question about recreation at the Refuge contact the Refuge office.
General Recreation Regulations

Enforcement: Violations of Refuge regulations may result in prosecution and denial of recreation privileges. For questions or to report any incidents please contact the Refuge office.

Parking: Parking is permitted in designated areas 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset. During these hours, vehicles many also park along roads but not more than one vehicle length off the road.

Vehicles: Licensed motorized vehicles and bicycles are permitted on graveled roads only. All gravel roads are primitive so use caution. Travel is prohibited off roads or on roads closed to vehicles.

ATV: Three or four wheeled all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and snowmobiles are prohibited on the Refuge.

Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is allowed only on gravel roads open to public vehicle use.

Dogs: Dogs and other pets are not allowed to run at large. They must be leashed at all times except when dogs are being used as a hunting tool during hunting.

Swimming: Swimming is prohibited in all waters on the Refuge.

Littering: Littering is unlawful. Help keep the Refuge clean by removing all trash.

Fires: No fires allowed.

Artifacts: Artifacts are protected on all Federal lands. Searching for and removing objects of antiquity is prohibited.

Be alert: The western rattlesnake is regularly encountered on the refuge and might be found anywhere during warm weather but they are most abundant in rocky areas. Visitors should be alert for them but must remember that they, like all other species of wildlife on the Refuge, are protected.

Physical Limitations: The Refuge covers a variety of habitats including rough terrain, deep waters, dense stands of vegetation, stubble filed, and ditches. Access difficulty varies by area and users should examine their own abilities and limitation before visiting the Refuge. Contact the Refuge office for suggestions on using the area safely.


General hunting and fishing regulations are listed on the hunting and fishing page.

Refuge Signs
Millions of people visit National Wildlife Refuges every year. Signs grant or restrict certain activist to provided optimum freedom for visitors while also protecting refuge elements from undue abuse. Please respect the following signs.
Boundary sign This sign marks the Refuge boundary. You may enter the area only on designated access routes. Respect the Refuge boundaries. Unauthorized entry upon private lands is a trespass violation.
Area closed sign 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 sign No vehicles are permitted beyond this sign, only foot travel is permitted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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