Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is located in Oregon and offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.


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Summary

The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, river otters, and beavers. It includes over 5,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands.

There are many good reasons to visit the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. It is a great place for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area. Visitors can also hike and explore the refuge's scenic trails, which offer stunning views of the Columbia River and nearby mountains.

One of the most popular points of interest at the refuge is the River 'S' Unit, which features a boardwalk that takes visitors through a wetland habitat and offers a chance to see a variety of birds and other wildlife up close. The Carty Unit is another area of the refuge that is worth exploring, with its historic buildings and scenic walking trails.

Interesting facts about the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge include that it was established in 1965 to provide habitat for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds. The refuge is also home to a variety of plants, including the rare Oregon white oak and the Pacific yew tree.

The best time of year to visit the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall and winter months, when large numbers of migratory birds can be seen. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers a unique experience in every season.

       

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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.
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