Facility Activities

Wildlife orientated recreational activities abound at Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. 

Fishing

Fishing is allowed in Refuge lakes from the last Saturday in April through October 31. Fishing is also allowed in the Little Pend Oreille River, the Rookery Road beaver ponds, and all other streams from the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. Bayley Lake (17 acres to 50 acres)...

Hiking

The Refuge has 3 hiking trails. The Mill Butte Trail is a 4.5 mile loop that starts at Refuge Headquarters. The summit is 2,619 feet with a 360 degree view. The trail is rated moderately difficult.

The McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail is a 1.2 mile loop that starts at River...

Hunting

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination for Northwest white-tailed deer hunters. The refuge provides important winter range for white-tails that migrate to the area in late fall and early winter as snow depth increases at the higher elevations. A late-season archery...

Birding

Two hundred six bird species have been recorded on the Refuge. Lakes and marshes, rivers, meadows and forested mountains provide varied habitats for birds. White-headed and black-backed woodpeckers entice many birders to the Refuge. We also have bird checklists available at Refuge headquarters...

Auto tour

Our new 10 mile long Auto Tour loop begins at the Refuge Headquarters kiosk where a variety of maps orient visitors to the features and topography of the Refuge.  From here a short paved trail leads to a view of the Little Pend Oreille River Valley and distant Calispel Mountain. ...

Biking
Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. Biking may be permitted at sites where it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, if it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose and the refuge manager determines it to be a compatible use.
Camping

Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds that have metal fire rings from April 14 through December 31. There is a 7 day camping limit within a 30 day consecutive period for all designated campgrounds from April 14 through September 30.

Dispersed campsites are open from October 1...

Firewood cutting

Firewood cutting for off Refuge use is allowed by special use permit and is for personal use only. Permits are available at Refuge headquarters during office hours and cutting is only allowed from July 15 through October 31. Firewood cutting permits can be obtained by ...

Cross-country skiing
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges lend gear or rent it at low cost.
Dog walking
Many sites do not allow dogs because they can disturb wildlife. Refuges that do allow dogs generally require that they be leashed. Some sites allow hunters and sledders to bring dogs.
Horseback riding

Horseback riding is only allowed on maintained roads and horse trails. Horses are not allowed on any of the hiking trails including the McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail.

Camping with horses is only allowed in Bear Creek and Horse Camps. Horses cannot be tied directly to trees....

Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Ranger-led programs
Rangers lead wildlife walks, tours and educational programs at many sites. Events may focus on wildflowers or birds or on seasonal spectacles, such as elk bugling or sea turtle nesting. Some programs may be limited in size or require advance registration. See individual websites for details.
Running
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Snowshoeing
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges loan out gear or rent it at low cost.
Wildlife watching

Wildlife viewing carries responsibilities; observe from a safe distance and use binoculars. Move slowly and casually, not directly toward wildlife. Your vehicle can serve as a blind and allow you to watch wildlife without panicking them. The Refuge is home to several species of large mammals who...

Accessible trails

 

We do have areas that are wheelchair accessible here. At Refuge Headquarters there is a 1/8 mile paved trail to an overlook of the Little Pend Oreille River. The McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail is a 1/2 mile crushed rock trail to McDowell Lake. There you will find...

Photography

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on National Wildlife Refuges is wildlife photography. A photo blind for public use is located near McDowell Marsh; access is from the McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail at River Camp. Your vehicle also serves as an excellent photo blind. ...