The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is located in the floodplain of the lower Columbia River in southwestern Washington about a half-hour drive from Portland, Oregon.
The refuge preserves some of the last remaining Columbia River floodplain, unaltered by dams, dikes, development, pollution or other disturbances. It’s flourishing mix of marshes, lakes, riparian corridors, grasslands and oak-Douglas fir forest provides essential feeding and resting grounds for a variety of migrating birds using the Pacific Flyway. Ducks, geese and swans winter in the refuge before returning to their Alaskan and Canadian nesting grounds in the spring.
Also using the refuge either permanently or seasonally are a variety of shorebirds, songbirds, owls and raptors, plus river otters, western painted turtles, mink, foxes, and rabbits among numerous other species of wildlife. Bald eagles are frequently spotted in winter.
Remains of a Native American Village
This bountiful site sustained a large Native American village before the arrival of Euro-Americans. Lewis and Clark visited the Cathlapotle village during their 1804-1806 expedition of discovery along the Columbia River. The explorers described the 14 cedar plankhouses that provided living quarters for a large population.
Today, a 37- by 78-foot replica of a plankhouse has been rebuilt on the grounds of the refuge. Built of red cedar with the help of many volunteers, the plankhouse is open during summer weekends and for special events with volunteer interpreters to explain the cultural traditions of the Cathlapotle people and the use of displayed artifacts.
Archeological evidence shows that people had lived at sites on the refuge for at least 2300 years.
Viewing Wildlife at the Refuge
Two area of the refuge – the Carty Unit and the River ‘S’ Unit, are open to the public for wildlife viewing via designated trails and a four-mile auto route.
The River ‘S’ Unit contains the auto route, open year-round during daylight hours. From October 1 through April 30, visitors must remain in their vehicles to avoid disturbing wintering birds. The Kiwa Trail, located in this unit, is open to walkers from May 1 to September 30. No bicycles are allowed.
The scenic two-mile loop Oaks to Wetlands Trail, located in the Carty Unit, begins near the Cathlapotle plankhouse and is open year-round. It traverses wetlands and forest, passing basalt outcroppings and blooming with native wildflowers in the spring. Uneven terrain makes this a slightly more challenging hike.
Among the many native plants growing on the refuge is the Wapato, or arrowhead plant which grows in marshy areas and was an important food source for Native Americans.
Fall and winter are the best times for spotting large flocks of migrating birds.
Visitors should stay on trails avoid disturbing wildlife and use binoculars or a spotting scope rather than attempting to approach birds in their sensitive habitat.
Signs at the parking areas of these units outline seasonal regulations. Regulations are designed to protect wildlife and should be strictly observed.
Planning a Visit to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
From Portland, Oregon, the refuge can be reached by following I-5 North to Exit 14 toward Ridgefield. From the exit, the route goes left at WA-501/Pioneer Street, then right at N. Main Street. The refuge entrance to the Carty Unit is just past the town of Ridgefield on the left.
There is a $3 entrance fee to be paid at the parking lot. Brochures at the entry provide maps and valuable information about visiting the refuge, as well as a wildlife list outlining seasons for observing various bird and mammal species.
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge website provides maps of the area, wildlife viewing guidelines and driving directions to the preserve from other locations.
The refuge is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It provides a spectacular view of wildlife and floodplain habitat as it existed for thousands of years before the intrusion of modern development.
Related Article:
The related article, Northwest Coast Indian Tribes describes the cultures of several tribes that lived along the Pacific coast of North America.
Linda McDonnell - I have been a journalist for 20 years, currently freelancing. As an outdoor and nature lover, I particularly enjoy writing about outdoor ...
