Lewis And Clark National Wildlife Refuge

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Washington and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The refuge spans over 20,000 acres and features a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems, including tidal marshes, grasslands, and forests.

One of the main reasons to visit Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge is to observe the wide variety of wildlife that calls the area home. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birds, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and tundra swans. Other animals that can be spotted in the refuge include river otters, beavers, and black-tailed deer.

There are also several points of interest within the refuge that are worth exploring. The Refuge Overlook provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot for birdwatching. The Steamboat Slough Observation Tower is another popular attraction, offering visitors a chance to observe the refuge's wetlands and waterfowl from above.

Interesting facts about the area include its role as a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway. The refuge is also home to several endangered species, including the Columbian white-tailed deer and the Oregon vesper sparrow.

The best time of year to visit Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall and winter months, when the refuge is at its busiest with migratory birds. However, visitors can enjoy the refuge's natural beauty year-round, with hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities available throughout the year.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks