Facility Rules and Policies
Visitor access is limited to a 2,200 acre Public Use Area, Columbia Plateau Trail and designated areas identified in hunt permits. To minimize disturbance to plants and animals, visitors are required to stay on trails and designated roadways March 1 through August 15 and are asked to comply with all regulatory signs. Bicycling is allowed only on Smith Road and the Auto Tour Route. It is not allowed on trails or roads closed to public vehicles. The refuge has a pack it in, pack it out policy. All visitors must carry out their own litter. We suggest you leave your pets at home; however dogs are permitted if they are kept on a non-retractable leash (no longer than 6 ft.) and are under the control of their owner at all times. Camping is not allowed on the refuge. Camping is available at nearby, privately owned and operated resorts and campgrounds. Group athletic training of any kind is not allowed.
Fishing, boating, camping, horseback riding, fires, swimming, bathing, on-ice activities, feeding wildlife, illegal dumping, dogs-off leash, paintball activities, and use of remotely piloted/controlled devices are not permitted on the refuge. The collection of any plant or animal or parts thereof is prohibited except licensed hunting in accordance with state and federal law. ATV, ORV and snowmobile use is prohibited on all areas of the refuge. Only street legal vehicles are permitted on Smith Road and the refuge tour route.
Sport hunting is permitted on the refuge in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Hunters should consult the Washington state hunting regulations. Special refuge hunting regulations also apply.
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.