Recreation - Auto Tour RouteAuto Tour RouteThe 4.2-mile Auto Tour Route on the River 'S' Unit is open daylight
hours throughout the year. Closing times for Periodically, the refuge may be closed for scheduled maintenance or construction projects, or because weather conditions have created hazardous conditions. Look for updates on this website or Contact Us. Between October 1 and April 30, all visitors on the Auto Tour Route
must remain in their vehicles. The large flocks of ducks, geese,
and swan using the Refuge during this period become accustomed to
seeing cars and will allow cars to pass by, or even stop, without
taking flight. Your car becomes your personal moble observation
blind. When everyone follows this rule, the result is The Auto Tour Route is the most popular visitor destination of the Refuge. The Route transects fields, wetlands, sloughs, and forests. The Route changes considerably with the season. Raptors can be found all seasons with highest concentrations in the fall and winter. Waterfowl are present all year, however, the populations are highest from October to April. Spring brings a bounty of migrant and nesting birds to the River 'S' Unit. Turtles, ducklings, and goslings a visible through the summer months. The Auto Tour Route offers a quality wildlife observation for the first time birdwatcher to the life-listers. Follow these links to learn more about recreation opportunities on the Refuge:Special EventsGeneral Recreation MapWildlife ObservationWaterfowl HuntingTrailsAuto Tour RoutePlankhouse & Cultural ResourcesEducationPhotographyFishing |
the
automated gate system are posted on the gates at the refuge entrance.
The hours of the gate area also posted at: 
a
high quality birding opportunity for all. During this time of year,
you may exit your vehicle only at the Refuge entrance pariking lot
and at the observation blind parking lot. Please be a courtous drive
and obey posted speed limits. Also, use turnouts to stop and observe
wildlife while allowing other vehicles to safely pass. From May
1 to September 30, large concentrations of wintering waterfowl have
left the region. During this period, foot traffic is allowed on
the Auto Tour Route.Last updated:
April 29, 2010
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