Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Category: Wildlife refuge

Address: 28908 NW Main Ave- Carty Unit & 1071 S Hillhurst Rd.- River 'S' Unit, Ridgefield, WA 98642, USA

Phone: +13608874106

Opening hours

Sunday: 5:30AM–9PM

Monday: 5:30AM–9PM

Tuesday: 5:30AM–9PM

Wednesday: 5:30AM–9PM

Thursday: 5:30AM–9PM

Friday: 5:30AM–9PM

Saturday: 5:30AM–9PM

Reviews

katie novosselov

May 31, 2022

My daughter and I went for a hike. It was peaceful, we saw several different birds , and a nest of snakes . I do wish the parking lot was maintained little bit better, rocky with a few holes .

Jennifer Perry

May 28, 2022

As a resident of Ridgefield WA, this is a wonderful place to walk, bike, and take in the scenery. Many varieties of plants, birds and wildlife can be safely observed and photographed here. I highly recommend coming out on a clear sunny day to walk the pathways and hike the trails. There is a car tour as well. Parking is inexpensive at the different entrances. I typically come several times a year, as it's a beautiful getaway right close to home.

John Pelonio

May 5, 2022

Nice place for a walk and bird watching. We visited the Carty Unit. The parking lot is gravel. The parking fee is $3 for a private vehicle. Envelopes with attached receipt are provided. Complete the envelope and receipt, detach receipt, drop $ in envelope into drop box and display receipt on dash. Pit toilets were unpleasant. Hopefully the new building will have proper restrooms. Free adequate maps are provided. Signage could be better. Six trains went by while we were there. The replica plank house is interesting. There are some impressive old trees. The north loop of the Oaks to Wetlands Trail is closed on Thursdays through Nov. 1. There is a sign, but no barrier, so it is a bit unclear. The closure was a bit disappointing, but there were other routes available. Dogs are not allowed outside vehicles.

Jennifer Anne

Jan 17, 2022

Beautiful spot to stroll along the waterway. Been there twice but still haven't gotten to do the full loop because of the same section of trail being closed both times (once for flooding, once for herbicide application). Still, there's a …

Thanks! Your review is awaiting moderation.

Questions & Answers

Are there bald eagles in the area this winter? I have friends visiting mid January and I'd like to know where/how the best viewing is? Thnx

Vicki Cates | Feb 16, 2020
T G | Feb 17, 2020

We see them in the trees around the refuge everytime we are there.

Read More

Are they working on the new bridge today

Ryan Lown | Feb 16, 2020
S. Hinze | Feb 17, 2020

Bridge work is happening Monday thru Friday. The entire month of November open only on Saturdays. Check the website for specifics.

Read More

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Lee langdon | Feb 16, 2019
Lee langdon | Feb 17, 2019

How much does it cost?

Read More

Would ridgefield wildlife refuge be considered a non profit organization?

Dimitria Candelaria | Feb 16, 2018
Kristopher Taylor-Kloke | Feb 17, 2018

It's a government entity. The associated non-profit is Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Read More

Why Kiwi trail is closed?

Olga Ryabinin | Aug 19, 2021
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Owner) | Aug 20, 2021

There is a Sandhill Crane family nesting there currently, and we were waiting for the baby to fledge. It should open at the end of this week, after 7/30/21.

Read More

What lodging is nearby?

Glenda Atchison | Aug 19, 2021
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Owner) | Aug 20, 2021

You will want to look in the cities: Battle Ground, Vancouver and Woodland for lodging.

Are they doing construction work today

Ryan Lown | Feb 16, 2020
Cecelia Blewett | Feb 17, 2020

Not sure. I haven't seen anyone.

Is this open for kayaking right now?

K Lee | Feb 16, 2020
Tammy Marshall | Feb 17, 2020

Not that I know of. Stay in car or walk trail areas only

Read More

Can someone provide me with the exact location/address to the entrance where you can drive through the refuge? We’re new to Ridgefield and would love to take a ride. Thank you.

Jessica Lynn Vogel | Feb 16, 2020
Solofemalehiker35 | Feb 17, 2020

The gate is closed until the park opens. So make sure you go after it opens.

Read More

How long is the hiking trail?

Jeanette Bricker | Feb 16, 2020
1RadiantNature | Feb 17, 2020

Some trails closed in September, shorter trail open

Read More

How come the site doesn't state the car tour fee of $3.00?

Scott Tabor | Feb 16, 2020
Tory | Feb 17, 2020

https://ridgefieldfriends.org/visit-the-refuge/ If you scroll down to the section "entrance fees & passes" you can find all the necessary information for fees. You may also use an America The Beautiful national park pass.

Read More

Do they allow dog?

Leon Murphy | Feb 16, 2019
brain stormer | Feb 17, 2019

Dogs are not welcome as they disturb the wildlife. However there is a off-leash dog park atop the hill next to the entrance where your well behaved pup will be welcome.

Read More

Is this a good place to kayak?

Duessa Holscher | Feb 16, 2019
Diane Barone | Feb 17, 2019

I think Brian is right

Read More

Where are the 3 original blocks placed?

Brian Farley | Feb 16, 2019
Katherine Shields | Feb 17, 2019

I'm not sure what blocks you're referring to. There is a side Trail which goes through a duck hunting area it opens in the spring and closes in the fall. There's also a separate little blind at the end of a Ada access Trail where you can take pictures; it has a parking lot and pit toilet.

Can I go bearback riding at the refuge?

Leah Lynch | Feb 16, 2019
Patrick Henry | Feb 17, 2019

I have never seen any bears out there. Even if I had I don't think riding them is a good idea.

Read More

Is there a picnic area to eat lunch?

Marella Rudebaugh | Feb 16, 2019
Rita Goodman | Feb 17, 2019

Not at all. It's an animal refuge, for animals.

Read More

Can you ride bikes, in the drive through section?

brandy janik | Feb 16, 2019
Fiona Ryan | Feb 17, 2019

The restrictions on getting out of your vehicle on the River S unit (the auto tour route) apply only during the fall and winter (October through April), although there is a bird blind and restroom halfway through that is open year round. You are free to walk the route or get out anywhere along the route at the other times) Biking it is ok too but it is extremely dusty in the summer. Check the Ridgefield NW Refuge site for emergency closures before you go.

Read More

Open during government shutdown?

Patrick MILLER | Feb 16, 2018
Matthew McVickar | Feb 17, 2018

Yes. As of 2018-02-10.

what migrations and or birds are being seen currently

John Woodard | Feb 16, 2018
Mary Reese | Feb 17, 2018

To stay current, join the birding e-lists Tweeters (Washington) and OBOL (Oregon Birders Online). Also check eBirds for nationwide sitings.

Read More

What bird activity and migrations are happening at the refuge at this time?

John Woodard | Feb 16, 2018
SHELLY SIBERT | Feb 17, 2018

You would have to go check for your self. I only went to the drive thru end a few months back

Read More

Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.

Thanks! Your question is awaiting moderation.

Related Places