Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - Ridgefield, Washington

Located around the town of Ridgefield, Washington, this wildlife refuge is a great place to see throngs of wintering Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, Sandhill Cranes and many raptors.

The River S unit, located south of town, is an auto tour route but offers two stops in winter and an additional one in summer where birders can get out and scope the area. Restrooms at two stops. During May-September pedestrians are allowed on the road but the rest of the year the marked stops are the only places to get out and scope. Two of the stops are wheelchair accessible.

The Carty Unit, located just north of town, offers a 2-mile trail through oak groves and past wetlands where a variety of songbirds can be found. This unit is not wheelchair accessible and walking is over unpaved sometimes uneven paths.

How to Get There: From Portland take I5 north to the Ridgefield exit and turn west towards town. To access the River S unit, just after entering town (where the speed limit suddenly drops) turn left on 9th street, head up the hill to the Ridgefield NWR entrance on the right, head down the hill and into the refuge. Groups usually meet at the visitor station just across the bridge. To access the Carty Unit, continue on the road through the town and turn right at the stop sign at the T intersection at the end of town. Follow road to Ridgefield NWR sign on left. Park here and walk over the trestle bridge into the refuge.

This information excerpted from the wonderful resource, Wild in the City: A Guide to Portland’s Natural Areas edited by Cody and Houck.

Visit their website at http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield/index.html