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From canoeing to hunting, many activities beckon at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is especially known for its birdwatching and fishing. Regardless of the activity, it's a good bet that it was made possible by the Ice Age Floods that reshaped the inland Northwest. Columbia has a host of features, including the Drumheller Channels National Natural Landmark National Natural Landmark
The National Natural Landmarks Program preserves sites illustrating the geological and ecological character of the United States. The program aims to enhance the scientific and educational value of the preserved sites, strengthen public appreciation of natural history and foster a greater concern for the conservation of the nation’s natural heritage. The program was established in 1962 by administrative action under the authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935. The first National Natural Landmarks were designated in 1963. Today, there are more than 600 National Natural Landmarks in 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Learn more about National Natural Landmark . Be sure to check out the National Park Service's brochure.
Trails
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see the power of the ice age floods that ripped the landscape of eastern Washington. The swirling waters and scouring rocks created pockets everywhere, pockets that would later be filled with water from the Columbia Basin Project. The Rimrock Trail is a spectacular vantage point to see the landscape the floods left behind. To see the exposed basalt columns up close, try the Pipistrelle Cliffs at the head of the Black Lake Trail. Here's a MAP to find the trails.
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
The Central Washington National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of three national wildlife refuges—Columbia, Conboy Lake, Toppenish—and the Hanford Reach National Monument. To learn more about the Complex, Please visit: Central Washington National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Rules and Policies
Wildlife First! Refuges are places where wildlife comes first. That's why most refuges do not allow activities that cause undue disturbance to wildlife, such as model airplane flying, dog trials, low-flying aircraft, rock climbing, water skiing, off-road driving, snowmobiling, target shooting, and camping.
Did you know that all activities on a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge should be wildlife-dependent? The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has identified six such overarching activities—wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, interpretation, hunting and fishing. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife-related and doesn't help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. If you are unsure if an activity you hope to pursue is allowed, call the refuge to find out (509-488-2668).
Columbia NWR General Regulations
The refuge is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, except for hunting (see below).
Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. No overnight parking is allowed on the refuge.
The use of unmanned aircraft or drones on the refuge is prohibited.
Camping is no longer allowed on Columbia NWR.
Rock climbing, other than as necessary for allowed activities (e.g., hiking) is prohibited. The use of any gear for assistance (e.g., ropes, carabiners, cams) is prohibited, as are any devices that alter the landscape (e.g., drills).
Littering is unlawful and can seriously injure wildlife. Help keep the refuge clean by removing all trash.
Dogs must be on leash.
No off-road vehicles.
Collecting of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts is strictly prohibited.
Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with refuge hunting regulations, i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
Columbia NWR Fishing Regulations
Fishing is permitted on the refuge in designated areas and in accordance with state and federal regulations. Check the state fishing regulations for restrictions on individual lakes. To view or download the state fishing regulations, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Fishing web site.
To see refuge-specific regulations and a map, please see our new PDF file—Columbia Fishing Regulations.
Columbia NWR Hunting Regulations
No trapping of any kind is allowed on Columbia NWR.
For the current regulations related to hunting on Columbia NWR, please visit www.fws.gov/mcriver/regulations/.
For the current regulations related to fishing on Columbia NWR, please visit www.fws.gov/mcriver/regulations/.