Facility Activities

The abundance of wildlife and wetland views offers many opportunities for nature photography, wildlife viewing, and birding. Hike our trails to follow the lakebed and see extended views of wetland and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian habitat. Please note specific trail closures due to refuge waterfowl hunts and Oregon state hunts – these trail closures will impact not only hiking, but the activities that depend on access to the trails, such as wildlife observation and photography.

Birding

The refuge hosts a wide variety of bird species, from raptors to waterfowl. In the winter, Wapato Lake is a great destination to see thousands of migratory waterfowl throughout the lakebed. Visitors are more likely to see wildlife in the early or late hours, at dawn or dusk (friendly...

Hiking

A total of 2.85 miles of out-back trails available February 1 through September 1, and 1.35 miles October 1 through November 30; the path skirts the lakebed, which offers visitors sights of waters filled with waterfowl in the winters, and an expanse of vegetation during the summer months.

Hunting

Updated February 18, 2024

Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge is developing public use programs, including waterfowl hunting and is currently conducted in tandem with the restoration of the historic Wapato Lake lakebed. Waterfowl hunting at the refuge began in the 2020-21 season...

Photography

With a wide variety of wildlife to see against a backdrop of wetland habitat, the refuge is a great destination for nature photography. Even for frequent and regular visitors, there is ample opportunity to capture the changing of seasons and migratory visitors. We require all visitors to stay on...

Wildlife watching

The refuge hosts a wide variety of bird species, from raptors to waterfowl. In the winter, Wapato Lake is a great destination to see thousands of migratory waterfowl throughout the lakebed. Visitors are more likely to see wildlife in the early or late hours, at dawn or dusk (friendly...