Refuge Purpose Little Pend Oreille NWR was established in 1939 "…as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife…" (Executive Order 8104) and "…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds." (Migratory Bird Conservation Act).

Acreage 40,198 acres

Hunting The Refuge is open for hunting; see Hunting brochure for more information. Trapping is prohibited

Fishing The Refuge is open for fishing; see Fishing brochure for more information.

Road Closures The Refuge is closed to all unauthorized vehicle traffic from January 1 through April 13, except on Bear Creek Road from Headquarters west to the Refuge Boundary, and on Buffalo-Wilson, Narcisse Creek and Olson Creek Roads which are open year round.

Vehicles All state traffic laws apply on Refuge roads. Vehicles operating on Refuge roads must be "street legal" with current registration, have mufflers, license plates and be in proper operating condition. Vehicles must remain on established roads open to the public. The speed limit for Refuge roads is 25 miles per hour. Park vehicles along roadsides but do not block any roads, gates or trails. Roads may be closed to unauthorized motorized vehicle travel with an "Authorized Vehicles Only" sign. Authorization must be obtained from the Refuge Manager.

ATV's, ORV's Snowmobiles ATV and ORV use is prohibited on all areas of the Refuge. Snowmobiles are allowed only on Olson Creek Road and the Flodell Snow-Park parking area.

Campgrounds Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds with metal fire rings from April 14 through December 31. Remove all garbage, including horse manure, straw and hay. Do not feed wild animals. Do not leave food outside overnight. No drinkable water is available on the Refuge. Do not leave campfires unattended. Cutting, defacing or damaging live trees is prohibited. Use only dead and down trees for firewood - do not cut down snags. Campfire restrictions will be posted in all campgrounds and at Headquarters kiosk.

Dispersed Hunting Campsites Dispersed hunting campsites are open from October 1 through December 31. Campsites must be within 50 feet of designated dispersed campsite markers.Bury all solid human waste in a hole 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp or trails.
Do not leave campfires unattended. Cutting, defacing or damaging live trees is prohibited. Use only dead and down trees for firewood - do not cut down snags.

Camping Limits There is a 7-day camping limit within a 30-day consecutive period in all designated campgrounds from April 13 thorough September 30.There is a 14-day camping limit within a 30-day consecutive period in all designated campgrounds and dispersed hunting campsites from October 1 thorough December 31.

Firewood Firewood cutting for off-Refuge use is allowed by permit only. Firewood cutting for Refuge campground and dispersed hunting camps is allowed using dead and down material only- do not cut snags. All visitors must follow Industrial Fire Precaution Levels posted at Headquarters kiosk.

Group Use A special use permit is required for all activities involving groups exceeding 25 persons or 10 horses.

Pets Pets are not allowed to roam at large, and must be under control at all times. The use of dogs for hunting is allowed for legal bird hunting only.

Horses Camping with horses is only permitted in Bear Creek and Horse Camps. Confined horses must be at least 100 feet from streams or other water bodies. Horses cannot be tied directly to trees. Horses must be confined in camp by hitch rails, tied to a high picket line, or confined in portable corrals. Visitors must provide food for their horses. Remove all garbage, horse manure, and excess straw and hay. Horseback riding is only allowed on maintained roads and trails.

Firearms Firearms and other legal hunting weapons are allowed only during open hunting seasons. Discharge of a firearm within one-quarter mile of any maintained building or designated campground is prohibited. Loaded weapons in a vehicle and target shooting are prohibited.

Resource Collecting The collection of any plant or animal or parts thereof is prohibited except the following: licensed hunting and fishing in accordance with state and federal law, shed antler collection and berry and mushroom picking for non-commercial use. Prospecting, mining, or the search and removal of objects of antiquity or objects of value are not allowed.

Miscellaneous Swimming and bathing are prohibited in all Refuge waters. Bicycles are allowed only on maintained roads and trails. No spotlighting (including vehicle headlights). Abandoning, discarding, or leaving any personal property on the Refuge is prohibited. Littering is prohibited. Carrying or possessing fireworks or explosives is prohibited. Weapons are only allowed during open hunting seasons. Special permits are required for commercial guiding on the Refuge. Making noise that disturbs Refuge wildlife and visitors is prohibited.
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The provisions of these special Refuge regulations supplement Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, which govern public activities on National Wildlife Refuges. If you observe any violations, destruction of property or wildlife habitats, please report them to the Refuge Manager.

For more information contact:

Refuge Manager, Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
1310 Bear Creek Road,
Colville, WA 99114
509/684-8384