Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful and unique destination located in the state of Oregon.
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Summary
It was established in 1965 and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge spans 3,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife.
One of the main reasons to visit Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge is to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Visitors can see a variety of birds, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. The refuge is also home to a variety of mammals, including deer, elk, and coyotes.
There are several points of interest to see at Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge. One of the most popular is the viewing area, where visitors can see a variety of wildlife up close. There are also several hiking trails that provide an opportunity to explore the area and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Interesting facts about the area include that Cold Springs is the only refuge in Oregon that was established specifically to protect and manage wetlands. The refuge is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Oregon Spotted Frog.
The best time of year to visit Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge is in the spring, summer, and fall. During these seasons, visitors can see a variety of birds, including migratory birds that stop at the refuge on their way to and from their breeding grounds. The refuge is also open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife in any season.
Overall, Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With its diverse wildlife, unique ecosystem, and stunning scenery, it is an unforgettable experience that visitors will cherish for years to come.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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