Wild geese overhead and mist over the wetlands are part of daily life in Ridgefield. If you live nearby or plan to, you probably love the quiet beauty, but you may also wonder how to visit the refuge the right way and be a good neighbor to wildlife. In this guide, you’ll learn local access basics, seasonal rules, and simple etiquette that protects birds and keeps your experience stress‑free. Let’s dive in.
Quick guide to the refuge
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 5,200 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands along the lower Columbia River. It is managed to support hundreds of bird species and other wildlife. Get an overview on the official Visit page for Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
Two public units most neighbors use:
- Carty Unit, headquarters area with the Oaks to Wetlands Trail and Cathlapotle Plankhouse. Address: 28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA. Directions on Friends of Ridgefield NWR.
- River “S” Unit, home to the Auto Tour and seasonal Kiwa Trail. Address: 1071 S Hillhurst Rd, Ridgefield, WA. Directions on Friends of Ridgefield NWR.
Hours are sunrise to sunset. Automatic gates close at posted times. For current status, check refuge rules and policies or call the refuge office at (360) 887‑4106.
Fees and passes
Entrance is $3 per vehicle or up to 4 adults on foot. Youth 15 and under are free. An annual Ridgefield NWR pass is $15. Federal interagency passes such as America the Beautiful, Senior, and Access are accepted. You can pay online through Recreation.gov or at the refuge. See the fee details on refuge rules and policies.
When to visit and what you’ll see
Mid‑October through April is peak waterfowl season, when large flocks of ducks, geese, swans, and cranes fill the wetlands. Find seasonal viewing tips on the wildlife watching page.
- Auto Tour Route, River “S” Unit: A 4.2‑mile mostly one‑way gravel loop. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset. In winter, it is vehicle‑only to reduce disturbance. Pedestrian access is typically allowed May 1 through September 30. Use designated pullouts to avoid blocking traffic. Details are on the Friends’ visit page.
- Trails: Oaks to Wetlands Trail (Carty Unit) is generally open year‑round. Carty Lake Trail and Kiwa Trail are seasonal and usually closed October 1 through April 30 to protect wintering waterfowl. Check trail status on the Friends’ visit page.
Know the rules before you go
Staying within the rules helps wildlife and keeps your visit smooth. Key reminders from the refuge:
- Stay on designated trails and roads. Do not collect plants, animals, or artifacts.
- Pets are not allowed on trails. Pets may remain confined in vehicles on the Auto Tour. Certified service animals are allowed under control. See refuge rules and policies.
- Drones are not allowed to launch or operate from refuge lands. Commercial activities, including some photography, require permits.
- Do not use recorded calls to attract birds. Keep voices and devices quiet.
- Plan ahead. Facilities provide vault toilets, but there is no running water or picnic areas. Review visitor tips on the Friends’ visit page.
Etiquette that protects wildlife and your experience
- Keep your distance and use optics. If an animal changes behavior because of you, you are too close. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers practical wildlife viewing tips.
- Be quiet and patient. Sound travels across wetlands. Enjoy longer looks by moving slowly and speaking softly.
- Use pullouts on the Auto Tour. Fully pull into a turnout before stopping to watch wildlife.
Living near the refuge: homeowner tips
Pets and backyard animals
- Dogs and cats: Keep cats indoors and supervise small dogs. Coyotes and raptors are part of the local ecosystem. Pets are not allowed on refuge trails and must stay in vehicles on the Auto Tour per refuge rules.
- Poultry and backyard flocks: Practice strict biosecurity to reduce avian influenza risk. Cover coops, keep feed secure, and prevent contact with wild waterfowl. Report sick or multiple dead domestic birds to WSDA at 1‑800‑606‑3056. See the state’s avian influenza guidance.
Yard and property measures
- Do not feed wildlife. Feeding concentrates birds and can spread disease. See FWS wildlife viewing guidance.
- Secure trash, compost, and pet food. Use wildlife‑resistant containers and store attractants indoors.
- Manage deer pressure. Choose deer‑resistant plantings or use physical barriers. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife shares practical deer living tips.
- Address beaver flooding thoughtfully. Flow devices, sometimes called “beaver deceivers,” can reduce ponding at culverts. Coordinate with Clark County Public Works and WDFW on permits before any work.
Disease awareness and reporting
- Do not handle sick or dead wild birds. For public guidance and updates, review FWS avian influenza information. Report unusual wild bird mortality to state wildlife authorities and domestic poultry issues to WSDA at 1‑800‑606‑3056.
Hunting on the refuge
Ridgefield NWR operates a managed, permit‑controlled hunt program in designated areas, primarily on parts of the River “S” Unit. Hunt dates, species, and procedures follow federal and state rules, including refuge‑specific regulations in 50 CFR §32.66. Before you visit or walk near refuge boundaries, check the current season details on refuge rules and policies. Keep children and pets away from posted hunt zones and follow all signs and staff instructions.
New‑neighbor checklist
- Check hours and gate times before you go.
- Carry a pass or payment for entry.
- Keep pets supervised and follow refuge pet rules.
- Use optics and give wildlife space.
- Secure trash, compost, and animal feed.
- Choose deer‑resistant landscaping where needed.
- Do not feed wildlife and avoid attracting large flocks to lawns.
- Note hunt dates and locations before using nearby trails.
Ready to explore Ridgefield responsibly?
Living near the refuge is a rare lifestyle perk. With a little preparation and the right etiquette, you can enjoy world‑class wildlife viewing and keep daily life smooth at home. If you are planning a move near the refuge or want local insight on Ridgefield neighborhoods, reach out to Ty Lankheet for consultative guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Can I walk my dog on Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge trails?
- No. Pets are not allowed on refuge trails. Pets may remain confined in vehicles on the Auto Tour, and certified service animals are allowed under control per refuge rules.
What months are best to see geese, swans, and cranes at Ridgefield?
- Mid‑October through April is peak waterfowl season, with the highest concentrations visible from the Auto Tour. See FWS wildlife watching tips.
How much is the entrance fee and are passes accepted?
- Daily entry is $3 per vehicle or up to 4 adults on foot, youth 15 and under are free, and the $15 annual RNWR pass or federal interagency passes are accepted per refuge rules.
Are drones allowed at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?
- No. Launching or operating drones from refuge lands is prohibited under USFWS policy. See refuge rules and policies.
How do I visit safely during hunting season at Ridgefield NWR?
- Review current hunt dates and zones, follow posted signs and staff directions, and keep pets and children away from signed hunt areas. See 50 CFR §32.66 and refuge rules.
What should I do if I find a sick or dead bird near Ridgefield?
- Do not touch it. Follow public guidance on avian influenza and report wild bird die‑offs to state wildlife authorities, and domestic poultry issues to WSDA at 1‑800‑606‑3056.
