RecreationGeneral Information
The 5,300 acre Refuge contains a lush mosaic 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.
Guided HikesFull Moon HikesA trail that is familiar by day becomes a whole new experience
at night! These guided hikes provide opportunities to witness owls
hooting, coyotes yipping, and bats wheeling. And, of course, the
wonders of the night sky away from city lights. Full moon hikes
are free, but space is limited. RSVP required. Please contact nicole_gautier@fws.gov
to reserve your spot. For more information please click, Full
Moon Hikes. Birding HikesJoin a Refuge volunteer naturalist for a series of 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 the respective trail head. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot early.
Follow these links to learn more about recreation opportunities on the Refuge:Special EventsGeneral Recreation MapWildlife ObservationWaterfowl HuntingTrailsAuto Tour RouteGeoAdventurePlankhouse & Cultural ResourcesEducationPhotographyFishing |
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Visitors
to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge enjoy viewing a variety of
wildlife within a few minutes of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan
area. The Refuge landscape provides sanctuary throughout the seasons
for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, river otter, black-tailed deer,
coyotes, herons, and numerous other species of wildlife. The Refuge
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 and ATVs are not allowed on
the Refuge.Last updated:
May 15, 2013
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