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Recreation

Now Open: Gibbons Creek Wildlife Trail

Current Gate Times: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

On Sunday, June 14, 2009, the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Trail opened to the public. The 2.25-mile Gibbons Creek Wildlife Trail connects a trailhead just east of mile post 18 on the south side of S.R. 14 with an existing trail along the southern boundary of the refuge on the Columbia River dike. Along the way, enjoy the wildlife of riparian woodlands, fields, wetlands, creeks, and lakes.

Please use the 'Quick Links' at the top of this page for directions to the trailhead. While the trial is currently open, interpretive art elements will be added over the next few months. Please, watch for this new interpretation throughout the summer months.

Please note that the new trail segments at Steigerwald Lake is for wildlife observation and has different public uses than the adjoining Columbia River Dike Trail. The Columbia River Dike Trail allows running, bicycling, horseback riding, and leashed pets. While the newly opened Gibbons Creek Wildlife Trail is reserved specifically for hiking and wildlife observation. Therefore, pets, horses, bikes, and runners are not allowed on the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Trail.

Wildlife observation and photography

Steigerwald Lake Refuge supports breeding neotropical birds, and migrating and wintering ducks, geese, and other birds. Visitors may enjoy viewing refuge wildlife and scenes of the Columbia River by accessing the Columbia River Dike Trail at nearby Captain William Clark Park, just west of the refuge on Port of Camas-Washougal property. The location of Steigerwald Lake Refuge near the mouth of the Columbia River Gorge occasionally offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. The Columbia River Gorge represents a low elevation cut through the Cascade Mountains. Birds typically found on the east side of Washington State periodically use the Gorge as a migration corridor. As these birds emerge from the Gorge, they can be found at Steigerwald Lake Refuge. Strays for the eastside of the State include kingbirds, phoebes, Lewis's woodpeckers, burrowing owls, and nighthawks.

Guided Birding Hikes

Join a Refuge volunteer naturalist for a series of fall birding hikes on Ridgefield and Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuges. This is an excellent opportunity to sharpen your birding skills while enjoying Refuge trails. All hikes start at 8:00 a.m. at the respective trailhead. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot early. For reservations or additional details please contact Eric Anderson at (360) 887-4106 or eric_anderson@fws.gov.

Kiwa Trail, Ridgefield NWR, Saturday, September 19.

Kiwa Trail, Ridgefield NWR, Sunday, September 27.

Oaks to Wetland Trail, Ridgefield NWR, Saturday, September 12.

Oaks to Wetland Trail, Ridgefield NWR, Saturday, October 3.

Steigerwald Lake NWR, Sunday, September 20.

Steigerwald Lake NWR, Saturday, September 26.

Pierce NWR, Saturday, September 12.

Pierce NWR, Saturday, September 26.