Visit Us
Much of Conboy Lake is closed to public access to protect its rare and precious wildlife. However, many interesting parts are open. Please take a moment to orient yourself as to what is open and what is closed, and please follow all closures and regulations in order to protect the refuge's fragile wildlife and plants.
Hours Determined by the Sun
The areas of Conboy Lake open to general public use are open from sunrise to sunset every day. (Hunting has special hours and access. Please visit our Rules & Regulations page for specific information.)
Conditions Vary by Season
Winter in the Cascades can be severe. However, if you visit any other time of the year there are no special precautions needed as the climate and terrain is not extreme. Carry water, dress in layers, let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back, respect the wildlife and you'll be guaranteed a pleasant visit. None of the areas open to public use would be considered backcountry, and facilities are never more than a few minutes away, although there may not be staff around.
Road Conditions and Parking
Speaking of facilities . . . The road into the refuge is gravel, but in excellent shape. County roads are in good repair. In fact, refuge roads and county roads are great places to observe wildlife—just be sure you use common sense and follow traffic laws. The Willard Springs Trail is an easy two-mile hike with a moderate grade, and a wildlife observation platform is located on the trail. Access to the trail, parking and restrooms are available at the refuge headquarters.
Directions from Glenwood
From Glenwood, head west on Main Street for about a third of a mile. As the road begins to curve follow the it to the left onto Draper Springs/Trout Lake Highway. Go 4.8 miles further to the marked entrance on your left for Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The parking area will be a mile ahead of you.
Directions from White Salmon
White Salmon, Washington, head west on State Route 14 (Lewis and Clark Highway). Turn right onto State Route 141 (Washington 141 Alternate North). After 2.2 miles, turn left onto State Route 141 North. Follow this for about 7.9 miles and turn right onto Glenwood Road. In about 1 mile Glenwood Road turns into the BZ-Glenwood Highway; follow this for another 8.1 miles and turn left onto Laurel Road. In 3.5 miles turn right onto Trout Lake-Greenwood Road. In another mile, turn right into the marked entrance for Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The parking area will be a mile ahead of you.
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
Firearms
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.
Prohibited Activities
The refuge is open for day use only, sunrise to sunset; no overnight parking or camping is allowed. Camping is available at Glenwood and Trout Lake.
The use of unmanned aircraft or drones on the refuge is prohibited.
Other prohibitions on the refuge are dogs off-leash; off-road vehicles; and collecting of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts.
Hunting
Hunting of some bird species is permitted on the refuge during the regular Washington State hunting seasons in public hunting areas designated on the refuge map. All other species are protected, e.g., elk, deer, upland birds, turkeys, coyotes, cougars, crows, squirrels and rabbits.
No trapping of any kind is allowed on Conboy Lake NWR.
For the current regulations related to hunting on Conboy Lake NWR, please visit www.fws.gov/mcriver/regulations/.