RecreationGeneral Information
The 5,300 acre Refuge contains a lush mosiac of wetlands, grasslands, riparian corridors, fir forests, and Oregon white oak woodlands. These habitats combined with a mild rainy winter climate provide an ideal environment for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Every fall the Refuge comes alive with thousands of ducks, geese, swans, and cranes. These birds depart their northern nesting range and migrate to this area to avoid the harsh Alaskan and Canadian winters. On Ridgefield Refuge, they find resting and feeding areas where they spend the winter months preparing to meet the demands of the spring migration and nesting seasons.
Follow these links to learn more about recreation opportunities on the Refuge:Special EventsGeneral Recreation MapWildlife ObservationWaterfowl HuntingTrailsAuto Tour RouteGeoAdventurePlankhouse & Cultural ResourcesEducationPhotographyFishing |
Visitors
to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge may enjoy viewing a variety
of wildlife within a few minutes of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan
area. The Refuge landscape provides santuary throughout the seasons
for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, river otter, black-tailed deer,
coyotes, herons, and numerous other species of wildlife. The Refuge
is also offers a place for people to keep in touch with their 'wild'
neighbors. For many, this is a special place to learn about and
appreciate the splendor of the natural areas that once occurred
in abundance along the lower Columbia River. 
The
Refuge offers wildlife-dependent public use in designated portions
of the Refuge. The Carty Unit and its 2-mile Oaks to Wetlands Trails
are open year-round during daylight hours. The River 'S' offers
the 1-mile Kiwa Trail, which is open for use from May 1 to September
30. The River 'S' Unit also contains the 4.2-mile Auto Tour Route
and observation blind that are open year-round during daylight hours.
To limit disturbance to wintering waterfowl , visitors must remain
in their vehicles along the Auto Tour Route from October 1 to April
30. Enjoy wildlife observation during the winter months as your
car serves as your personal mobile observation blind. A portion
of the River 'S' Unit is open to waterfowl hunting during the regular
waterfowl hunting season. Follow the links below to learn more about
all the public use programs and opportunities on the Refuge. All
other areas of the Refuge are posted and closed as sanctuary areas
for resident and migratory wildlife. Pets, bicycling, horseback
riding, canoeing, kayaking, running, ATVs, are not allowed on the
Refuge.Last updated:
November 2, 2009
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