The refuge encompasses a site of the Cathlapotle village, one of the largest Chinookan villages encountered by Lewis and Clark in 1805.
The auto tour route at the River 'S' Unit is restricted to one-way vehicle traffic to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
The refuge is a critical stopover on the Pacific Flyway, supporting thousands of migratory birds during spring and fall.
Restoration projects within the refuge have successfully reintroduced native oak woodlands and restored natural hydrology to seasonal wetlands.
The Cathlapotle Plankhouse project was a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Chinook Indian Nation to educate the public on local indigenous history.
The refuge's location on the Columbia River bottomlands makes it prone to seasonal flooding, which is managed to mimic natural cycles for habitat health.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a protected habitat spanning over 5,300 acres along the Columbia River. It consists of two primary units: the River 'S' Unit, featuring a 4.2-mile auto tour route, and the Carty Unit, focused on pedestrian trails. The refuge primarily preserves lowland floodplains, marshes, and grasslands essential for migratory waterfowl. It serves as a significant wintering ground for the endangered dusky Canada goose. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, herons, and deer, throughout the year. The Carty Unit houses the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, a reconstruction of a Chinookan-style cedar structure. The refuge protects a portion of the ancestral lands of the Chinook Indian Nation. Hiking trails in the Carty Unit include the Oaks to Wetlands trail, which features an accessible boardwalk system. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain healthy riparian ecosystems.
The observation blinds along the River 'S' auto tour route.
Bring binoculars or a spotting scope, as wildlife often remains at a distance from the trails and auto route.
Check the official refuge website for current trail closure status due to seasonal flooding before arrival.
The auto tour route is best experienced at a slow pace with frequent stops at designated turnouts.
Do not exit your vehicle while on the River 'S' auto tour route, except at designated parking areas.
The River 'S' auto tour route may be closed seasonally due to high water or wildlife nesting requirements; check for alerts before visiting.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitats; do not feed wildlife; keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing animals.
