Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Southwest WashingtonBest Sep–May
Flat wetland loops through old-growth Oregon white oaks with some of the best birding in southwest Washington.
About This Trail
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge protects over 5,000 acres of marshes, grasslands, and oak woodlands along the Columbia River floodplain. The Oaks to Wetlands Trail is the year-round option, a flat loop of about 2 miles through towering old-growth Oregon white oaks and down to the wetland edge. The Kiwa Loop offers a barrier-free option on crushed gravel and boardwalk. The Carty Trail opens seasonally from May through September.
This is primarily a birding destination. Over 100 bird species use the refuge, and the mix changes with the seasons. Fall and winter bring waterfowl in large numbers. Spring migration fills the wetlands with shorebirds and songbirds. Even on a quiet weekday you will hear more species than you can identify. Interpretive plaques along the trail highlight native plants including viburnum and Oregon grape, and a historic plankhouse structure sits along the route.
No dogs allowed. There is a $3 entrance fee, waived with an America the Beautiful or Interagency pass. A $15 annual refuge pass is also available. The trail can get muddy in the wet season, but WTA crews have done reroute and maintenance work to improve drainage. Easy access off I-5 Exit 14, about 20 minutes north of Vancouver, WA.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Heavy rain is the best time to go check out how trails are performing the oaks to wetlands loop is one where we’ve done a lot of work, including reroutes.”
Last report: Mar 13, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Seasonal trail closures (Carty Trail closed Oct-Apr)
- Muddy conditions in wet months
Getting There
Ample parking at the refuge entrance. $3 entrance fee or America the Beautiful/Interagency pass. Restroom with running water at the trailhead. Wheelchair-accessible facilities available.
From I-5 Exit 14, take Pioneer Street west into Ridgefield. Turn right on N Main Street and proceed 1 mile north. The refuge entrance is on the left. Easy access, well signed from the highway.
Early morning is best for birding. Bring binoculars and a field guide. The flat, short loop works well as a quick stop or a leisurely morning spent watching birds.
Recent Reports
Heavy rain is the best time to go check out how trails are performing the oaks to wetlands loop is one where we’ve done a lot of work, including reroutes. Our crew recently did some brushing and debris clean up on the ethnobotany trail.
There were some muddy spots on the trail but not enough to be a problem. Some of the trail was closed.
We took a lovely stroll on an extremely sunny day. As noted in an earlier report, the driving loop at the southern part of the refuge was damaged in recent storms.
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