For all of the 2024 William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge elk hunt information (and application), click HERE.
Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the diverse wildlife and picturesque vistas, whether on a determined hike, leisurely walk, or just driving through. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.
Refuge Access
The refuge is open from dawn to dusk. Visitors can access the northern half of the refuge via Finley Refuge Road at the western entrance off Bellfountain Road or the eastern entrance off Highway 99W. The southern half can be accessed via Bruce Road, with entrances off both Highway 99W and Bellfountain Road. Roads throughout the refuge are graveled and visitors must maintain the posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour. The Snag Boat Bend Unit can be accessed via a turn-off on the west side of Peoria Road. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. No overnight parking is allowed on the refuge.
Visitor Center & Nature Store
The Refuge Visitor Center can be found off Finley Refuge Road, about 1 mile east of the Bellfountain Road entrance. The visitor center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and is closed on all federal holidays. The Wild Goose Nature Store, operated by the Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, can be accessed inside the Visitor Center Friday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The store is open on some holidays! The profit of all Nature Store sales goes directly to funding refuge programs.
Hiking
Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public, except when winter sanctuary closures are in effect (Oct 1st at Ankeny and Baskett Slough and November 1st at Finley Refuge). Check the trail guide/map for seasonal and year-round trail information. Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged! Please stay out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals. No running or jogging allowed on the Refuge. And sorry, but please leave your pets at home. This is a home for wildlife and domestic four-legged critters can scare off just what you came to the Refuge to see!
Fishing & Boating
Fishing is allowed at Snag Boat Bend, but be sure to follow State regulations. When water levels are high enough a boat might be able to access Lake Creek, a tributary within Snag Boat Bend. You would need to launch from the Peoria boat launch upstream. All boating is prohibited on the William L. Finely Unit.
Hunting
Deer and elk hunting is permitted at William L. Finley Refuge during hunt seasons and in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Hunters should consult the Oregon state hunting regulations. Special refuge hunting regulations also apply, including the need for a special Refuge permit for elk hunting. In 2015, the first elk hunt was offered at William L. Finley Refuge. For current elk hunt information, regulations, map and application, check this website each May. 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.
Trails
William L. Finley has both year-round and seasonal trails. Seasonal trails are specified in their description and are open from April 1st - October 31st.
Here is the trails description brochure. Trail Descriptions William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge
Here is a refuge map to help you find your perfect trail! William L. Finley NWR Map
Related Documents
Here you will find a variety of Refuge maps and resources.
Other Facilities in the Complex
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central location. Refuges are grouped because they occur in a similar ecological region and have a related purpose and management needs. These refuges for example, were created in the 1960s specifically for the habitat they provide for the dusky Canada geese in the winter.
The Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of three refuges: William L. Finley NWR and its additional Snag Boat Bend Unit, Ankeny NWR and Baskett Slough NWR.
Rules and Policies
There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. There are plenty of activities on William L. Finley for you to enjoy. Be safe and have fun!
Locations
William L. Finley NWR
Travel south 10 miles from Corvallis, OR or north 7.5 miles from Monroe. Visitors can access the northern half of the refuge via Finley Refuge Road at the western entrance off Bellfountain Road or the eastern entrance off Highway 99W. The southern half can be accessed via Bruce Road, with entrances off both Highway 99W and Bellfountain Road.
Snag Boat Bend Unit
Travel east from Corvallis, OR on Highway 34 to Peoria Rd. Go south on Peoria Rd for 11 miles. Watch for an entrance sign along the roadside.