Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge

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 the refuge every day from sunrise to sunset. Lewis and Clark NWR is only accessible by boat.

Hiking

Public entry on the refuge islands is limited to foot travel only. There are no trails. 

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the refuge except for dogs engaged in authorized hunting activities. 

Bicycles 

Bicycles are not allowed on the refuge. 

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, put it back where you found it. 

Camping

Camping is not allowed on the refuge. Nearby campgrounds are located in Skamokawa and Cathlamet, WA and in and near Astoria, OR.

Fires 

Fires are prohibited.

Hunting 

The Refuge’s estuary islands form a chain that begins at Tongue Point and follows the Oregon shore of the Columbia’s main river channel east to Welch Island. The Refuge includes over 12,000 acres of islands, sandbars, mud flats and tidal marshes which provide habitat for a variety of fish and waterfowl. Hunting of geese, ducks, coots, and snipe is permitted on the shorelines and interior sloughs of Refuge islands in accordance with federal and state hunting regulations. The hunting of all other species is prohibited.

Fishing 

The refuge is accessible by boat only. Refuge waters include the Columbia River; sport fishing is regulated by the state of Oregon. Fishing season is generally open for at least one species year-round. Species include Chinook and coho salmon and sturgeon. 

Closures 

Areas within refuge boundaries may be closed to public entry due to sensitive species or restoration activities. Be aware of signs indicating closed areas.

Drones are prohibited on all National Wildlife Refuges 

Launching, landing or disturbing wildlife by Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (drones) on national wildlife refuges is prohibited. UAS operators should not rely solely on applications such as AirMap, DJI Go or B4UFly to determine if a location is legal for UAS use. Such applications do not always capture accurate locations of public lands where UAS use is prohibited. Contact the refuge manager if you have questions. The use of UAS on or from refuge-administered lands for the purpose of taking commercial photography requires a permit in accordance with 43 CFR 5.1-12