Winter haven, food nearby.
Toppenish Refuge.
A complete ban on open flames outside of vehicles has been issued for Cold Springs, Columbia, Conboy Lake, McKay Creek, McNary, Toppenish, and Umatilla national wildlife refuges and the Hanford Reach National Monument effective June 25 through September 30, 2026. Please see the linked documents for details.
Visit Us
Toppenish is a refuge for the serious birder, and it’s managed that way. There aren't a lot of amenities, there are no rangers with campfire talks, the refuge is managed for wildlife, not people. If you come here, it'll be you and nature and not much else. Perfect.
Location and Contact Information
The Yakima County Roads Department has closed a bridge on Slayton Road because it failed an inspection. It will be not replaced until Fall 2026, so the Chambers and Chloe units will not be accessible by vehicle until then. The bridge can still be crossed on foot to walk in. That would be a roughly 0.5 mile walk on a gravel road to either unit.
About Us
It's all about the birds. Not only is the spring and fall migration an exciting time to visit the refuge, but the summer is as well. Great horned owlets are learning to fend for themselves, coveys of quail forage around the visitor center and many species of songbirds can be seen and heard along the walking trail.