Welcome

Thanks For Visiting the Home Page for the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex!

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex is comprised of four National Wildlife Refuges in southwestern Washington State. These Refuges share the common bond of the lower Columbia River. A once wild and dynamic Columbia River scoured the earth and spread rich soils along its edges and into its floodplain. Floodwaters spilled over these bottomlands and nourished the landscape. Left behind was a mosaic of wetlands, riparian forests, sloughs, wet meadows, and meadows, which sustained a diversity of plants, animals, and fish. In turn, humans have thrived on the River's abundance for thousands of years. Today, these habitats and wildlife resources are protected along the lower Columbia River within the boundaries of the Pierce, Franz Lake, Steigerwald Lake, and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuges. Please use the links on this webpage to learn more about these special places, called National Wildlife Refuges.