Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

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Ridgefield, United States

fws.gov
Wildlife refuge· Tourist attraction· Parks

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Reviews | Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars (5 reviews)

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is located in Ridgefield, United States on 28908 NW Main Ave- Carty Unit & 1071 S Hillhurst Rd.- River 'S' Unit. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is rated 4.6 out of 5 in the category wildlife refuge in United States.

Address

28908 NW Main Ave- Carty Unit & 1071 S Hillhurst Rd.- River 'S' Unit

Phone

+1 3608874106

Amenities

Good for kidsPublic toilet

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entrance

Open hours

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J

John Kutasz

A spectacular spot for a walk, and/or a drive. Very close to Portland (take exit 14 north of Vancouver). At the moment (January 2021) the Oaks to Wetlands Trail, at the northeast edge of the refuge, is open, with the loop at the north end being one way as a Covid restriction. Excellent idea, as the trail here is very narrow in some places. The visitor's center is in the process of being completely rebuilt, so the parking lot is temporary, and prone to potholes. The auto route is open, and neither area of the refuge is currently taking payments. My aging knees found the trail very easy to walk, without much in the way of elevation changes, and it's very well maintained. Keep an eye on the trees along the ridge outside the eastern border of the reserve - the bald eagles that we saw seemed to be particularly fond of the tall trees there. The auto route, just over 4 miles long, seems like it shouldn't take long, but pulling over to the side of the road and watching animals makes the time go by surprisingly fast. They have a clock near the entrance, with reminders of when the automated gates will be closing for the day. With nobody allowed out of their vehicles, the animals seem to just tune out the cars that are creeping along, so the nature sightings are plentiful. All in all, this is a wonderful place for a short hike and/or a leisurely drive. Be sure to arrive early enough to be able to take your time and enjoy everything that there is to see.

C

Colton V

Amazing birdwatching. The trail in the north unit is easy and flat, providing great views of wildlife. The River S unit is fun to drive and you can get surprisingly close to wildlife from your car. I loved my experience here and hope to return frequently.

J

Jana Lovelady

It was a beautiful little walk around the refuge. There’s 2 main loops. We did them both. The snow made it look so peaceful. Nice and casual stroll. It is wet, so bring boots. :) love the long bridge.

S

Solofemalehiker35

I wish there was more than just one 1.5 mile walking trail at this park, because you miss a lot more when you're driving than you would if you are walking. I did the kiwa trail, I did not see any other trails that were open on 7/3/18 except the small trail by the second bathrooms. There were a lot of mosquitoes this time of year so bring spray if you are planning to get out of your vehicle. The park gates open at 530am and there is a self pay station for check or cash. Its 3 per person. There is a dog park before the main gates in the residential neighborhood. Easy walk for kids. Saw four deer, cows, 2 big birds, countless little pretty birds, interesting flowers and plants. Most of the park is a giant wetland. Very beautiful if you go early in the morning. After leaving the blacktop in residential the road is gravel as well as kiwa trail, which is only open May to October. There is a one lane bridge after the train tracks so use caution.

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Anne Wagner

First went to the Entrance where the new Headquarters is under construction. Walked a good available path past the plankhouse, a model of the indigenous longhouse of tribes in the area. Loved the sounds of hundreds of Tundra Swans at a distance. Continued on along good path for a while before turning around. Then went to the Auto Tour Entrance and took 3/4 of an hour or so to drive the 4mi loop looking at ducks, herons. swans, smaller birds & falcons. We used the Auto Tour Guide that I had downloaded to my phone.