Consisting of 8,075 acres of gently rolling hills, deep ravines, water, and bottomlands laced with creeks, Washita NWR offers a variety of opportunities for the public such as wildlife watching, trails, boating, fishing, and hunting.

Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma:

Washita NWR is a location on the newly completed Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma. This road-based wildlife viewing trail provides 13 loops covering over 1,700 miles in 33 counties with stops on public and private lands. Washita NWR is the first designated stop on the Black Kettle Loop. Click here for more information on the
Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma.

A dedication ceremony on March 15, 2003 officially opened Washita's Centennial trail. The newly completed nature trail is the cornerstone of our outdoor education facilities. The area features a 1/3 mile hard surface trail (suitable for wheelchair access), interpretive signs and a boardwalk with an observation deck overlooking a wetland area.

Hiking Trail:

The hiking trail is approximately 1/2 mile long. Binoculars and cameras will find many different species of wildlife along the trail. The refuge lacks other designated hiking trails. However, feel free to explore on foot from Owl Cove, Pitts Creek, and Lakeview. Remember to check the map for closed areas on the refuge. Generally, areas north of the river channel are open year-round. Please take only memories and pictures, leave only footprints.

Observation Decks:

Two observation decks offer vistas of wintering waterfowl. You will find spring migratory birds, wintering flocks of geese, and wildlife viewing from a deck at Owl Cove near the Washita River Inlet. County roads next to the refuge provide access to Owl Cove, Pitts Creek, and Lakeview areas.

Don't miss the observation deck behind headquarters. You'll have an excellent view of wintering geese feeding in farm fields.