by Heather Gibson
Home » Self-guided Field Trips »Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge self-guided trip
Ridgefield NWR was established in 1965 to provide wintering habitat for the dusky subspecies of the Canada goose whose habitat is extremely limited. Since then, smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
Carty Unit/ Refuge Headquarters
This entrance provides access to the Carty Unit of the refuge. The Oaks to Wetlands trail is located on the Carty Unit of the Refuge. The trail starts out as a graveled and then paved walk past the Cathlapotle Plankhouse and along a small lake. Then the trail crosses uneven terrain as it enters newly restored open oak woodlands.
The parking lot includes two ADA vault toilets. https://ebird.org/barchart?r=L592967&yr=all&m=
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Editor Note:
The White Oaks, commonly know as Garry Oaks, are the only native oaks in the Pacific Northwest. The Oak forest was thinned by removing most of the Douglas Fir trees several years ago. When the oaks are crowded, they tend to grow straight up, rather than spreading out. The restoration should make it easier to spot the Acorn Woodpeckers. For more information on the White Oaks, see this.
Port Entrance
This entrance is on the property of the Port of Ridgefield and gives pedestrian access to the Carty Unit trail system seasonally from May 1st through September 30th. October through April visitors can use the entrance pavilion, spur trail and Lake River overlook without entrance fee. Pedestrian access hours are 7 am to 6 pm daily.
https://goo.gl/maps/mEnYP1E1VrSjLbQ2A
https://ebird.org/barchart?r=L10972811&yr=all&m=
River ‘S’ Unit/Auto Tour Route
This entrance to the refuge gives you access to the year round auto tour route and the seasonal Kiwa trail, open from May 1 to September 30 during daylight hours. The trail offers a generally level grade and is constructed of compacted gravel and boardwalks. The observation blind gives you an opportunity to see and photograph birds that may not stick around if they saw you. The trail to the blind is flat graveled with a slightly sloping ramp to the blind. This blind is open to anyone and does not have to be reserved. This is a great stop half way around the auto tour allowing you to stretch your legs, use the restroom and walk amongst the trees.
There are two sets of ADA vault toilets.
https://goo.gl/maps/arJhPhadrf1xkxrx8
https://ebird.org/barchart?r=L777752&yr=all&m=