Two people canoeing along waterway in flooded bottomland forest habitat

Refuge users can launch their boats, kayaks, or canoes from the primitive boat ramp located at the head of the blue goose ATV trail.  When the refuge is flooded, visitors can enjoy a unique journey winding through beautiful cypress-tupelo swamps. Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge is located along a large bend in the Mississippi River, and when river levels rise or are expected to rise, access may be limited or closed due to flooding or threat of flooding. Refuge access becomes questionable when the Mississippi River is rising and reaches 20’ on the Baton Rouge gauge.