Located just north of Vancouver, Washington, the refuge is a unique retreat to nature nestled between the Columbia River and the town of Ridgefield.

Latest News

Male wood duck sitting on teal-green water with ripples, facing right with an orange bill, green head and rusty chest
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Where Art and Science Meet
Growing up I always doodled. I scribbled on everything and everything I could get my hands on (even things I shouldn’t, like my bedroom walls). It was how I was able to express myself and share the world through my eyes.
Aerial view of a small island with sand and green vegetation on it, surrounded by deep blue water
Get Involved
A Beginner’s Guide to the National Wildlife Refuge System
Not quite sure what the National Wildlife Refuge System is and all that it encompasses? This primer gives a quick overview.
Trumpeter swans taking off from the waters of DeSoto Lake with ducks in the background.
Wildlife Wonders
Carol of the Birds: A Christmas Bird Count Story
The Christmas Bird Count is the nation’s longest running citizen science project. The annual bird survey takes place between December 14 and January 5.
Four Sandhill cranes in flight
Recreation
Community Celebrates New Building at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The community of Ridgefield celebrated a new administration and multipurpose building at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Washington.
A river coming from the left curves to meet the ocean with a sandy beach in the foreground
Recreation
The Wildlife Refuges of I-5
This story presents a dozen-and-a-half national wildlife refuges between Seattle and San Diego where weary Interstate 5 travelers or even cyclists taking a similar path could take a short nature break.
A rainbow over a wetland and green field with dozens of birds flying by
Habitat Restoration
Creating Healthy Habitat
Sometimes a fire can be just what nature’s doctor ordered. At Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, fields that were once used for agriculture are being prepared for new life as native wetland prairie habitat for dusky Canada geese, foraging migratory waterfowl, and grassland-dependent wildlife.  
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Visit Us

The refuge offers local communities and travelers the opportunity to experience nature through an interconnected trail network, a driving loop and unique visitor facilities.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Ridgefield NWR was established in 1965 to provide wintering habitat for the dusky subspecies of the Canada goose who’s habitat is extremely limited. Since then smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  

      What We Do

      Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything we do from projects and research to the recreational activities offered. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.  

      Services
      Cattle grazing at a USFWS refuge
      Cooperative Agriculture Opportunity at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

      Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge near Vancouver, Washington, has a cooperative agriculture opportunity for one cooperator to perform the following annual agricultural activities in Clark County for up to five years: haying approximately 181 acres, grazing...

      Service
      Agriculture
      Farmer/Rancher

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 560 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington, DC
      A bison grazing in the foreground with mountains and a city and electrical infrastructure in the background
      The Urban Wildlife Conservation Program improves lives by expanding access to green space, education and outdoor recreation for Americans living in and around cities. Program members work to clear social and historical barriers and foster new connections that advance conservation and strengthen...
      Program

      Get Involved

      Everyone plays a part in the health of our communities. You may be interested in working to create better homes for native wildlife. Or perhaps you want to help others learn about and enjoy the outdoors. There are many ways to get involved that work with your interests.