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Plan Your Visit

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer contains over 5,600 acreas of patures, forested tidal swamps, brushy woodlands, marshes and sloughs along the Columbia River in both Washington and Oregon. Th emainland refuge unit, the Hunting Islands and Price Island are in Washington. Tenasillahe and Wallace Islands, and several small parcels around Westport are in Oregon.

Download a Refuge map (66 KB).

Download a PDF copy of the refuge Brochure (1.38 MB).

 

 

Driving Directions

The refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk. Refuge headquarters is open 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

To observe and photograph wildlife move quietly and maintain distance from the animals. Generally, if the animal moves away from you, you are too close. Although animals often dissapear when you arrive, they may return shortly if you are quiet and remain still. Binoculars and telephoto lenses will help you get a better look or photograph. Wildlife are more active in morning and late afternoon. Bring a field guide to help you identify various species and learn which habitats they prefer, when they are active, and what they eat.

No dogs are allowed on the refuge, except those used while hunting waterfowl.

Camping and building fires are not allowed anywhere on the refuge.

Directions

From I-5, take the Longview exit. Proceed west on Highway 4 to Cathlamet, WA. Continue on Highway 4 approximately 1 mile past Cathlamet to Steamboat Slough Road which is just west of the Elochoman River bridge. Turn left on Steamboat Slough Road. Refuge Headquarters is approximately 1/4 mile farther, on the right.

Hunting, Price, Tenasillahe, and Wallace Islands are accessible only by boat. Pubic launching facilities are available in Washington at the Cathlamet Mooring Basin, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife boat launch on Highway 4 between Cathlamet and Skamokawa, and Skamokawa Vista Park. Launch facilities in Oregon are available at Aldrich Point, east of Astoria. None of these facilities are owned or operated by the refuge.

CAUTION Tidal flows, sudden strong winds, and large wakes from ships can make boating difficult and sometimes dangerous. Deep channels seperate most of the islands at high tide, but sandbars and exposed logs may hinder travel and/or ground boats during low tides. Consult tide tables, navigation charts, and weather forecasts before heading out. http://www.saltwatertides.com