Facility Rules and Policies
National Wildlife Refuges are places where wildlife comes first, and although people are welcome, activities are regulated and monitored to ensure that impacts are minimal to the plants and animals that call the refuge home, and so future generations can continue to enjoy for years to come.
Refuge Hours
Visitors are welcome to enjoy refuge trails every day from sunrise to sunset. The Headquarters Building is open from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, and is closed on all Federal holidays.
Hiking
Hiking is permitted on refuge trails. Please stay on trail to avoid habitat and wildlife disturbance.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the refuge except for dogs engaged in authorized hunting activities and certified service dogs.
Bicycles
Bicycles are allowed on logging roads within the refuge, including those on Long Island. Bicycles are not allowed on refuge trails.
Take Only Memories (and photos!)
Please do not collect or move archeological or historic objects, or any natural material such as plants, mushrooms, berries, and antler sheds. If you pick something up to take a closer look, please put it back where you found it.
Camping
Camping is allowed in designated campsites on Long Island only. Please see the Camping page for detailed information.
Fires
Fires are prohibited, except in designated fire rings in Long Island campsites.
Hunting
Hunting of waterfowl, coot, snipe, deer, elk, bear and forest grouse is permitted on designated areas of the refuge. All state regulations apply.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted from the refuge-owned shoreline of Willapa Bay. Fishing is not permitted on refuge streams or interior sloughs. All state regulations apply.
Shellfish Harvesting
Clams and oysters can be harvested from designated public tidelands only. You must possess a state shellfish license.
Closures
Areas within refuge boundaries may be closed to public entry due to sensitive species, restoration activities, or for general maintenance, so please be aware of signs indicating closed areas. Each year, between March 15 and September 15, a portion of Leadbetter Point is closed to all public entry, including foot travel, to protect nesting snowy plovers, a sensitive and threatened species.
ATVs and Horses are not allowed on the Refuge.
Drones are not allowed on the Refuge, please leave the flying to the birds.
Launching, flying and landing drones on the Refuge disturbs wildlife.