Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge park
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Reasons to Visit:
1. Biodiversity: Turnbull Refuge offers a wide range of ecosystems, including wetlands, prairie grasslands, forests, and lakes. This diversity supports a rich array of wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
2. Wildlife Viewing: The refuge is home to more than 200 bird species, including the rare and endangered species like the western grebe and yellow-breasted chat. Additionally, visitors may spot mammals such as deer, elk, moose, coyotes, and occasionally, beavers.
3. Recreational Activities: Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the refuge through various activities such as hiking, photography, fishing, hunting (in certain seasons and designated areas), and wildlife observation.
Points of Interest:
1. Pine Lake: This serene lake within the refuge offers fishing opportunities, especially for trout, bass, and bluegill. Non-motorized boating is also permitted.
2. Marsh Unit: The marshes are a vital habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and wetland-dependent species. The Skookum Creek Auto Tour Route allows visitors to explore this area and observe wildlife from their vehicles.
3. Public Use Trails: Turnbull offers multiple well-marked trails of varying lengths, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the refuge's diverse landscapes and observe wildlife up close.
Interesting Facts:
1. Turnbull Refuge was established in 1937 and covers over 18,200 acres, making it one of the largest refuges in Washington state.
2. The refuge was named after Cyrus Turnbull, a prominent Spokane citizen and conservationist who played a significant role in its establishment.
3. The refuge acts as a crucial stopover for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway, providing essential resting and feeding grounds during their journeys.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge depends on visitors' interests. Spring and fall are ideal for birdwatching, as migratory species pass through the area. The refuge's wetlands are particularly vibrant during the spring breeding season. Summer offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities, but bird populations may be lower. Winter can be beautiful, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular activities during this season.
It is always recommended to check the official website of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge or contact the refuge office for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, specific activities, and any restrictions or closures.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairchild Afb Military | ✓ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Other parks
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
What can I do at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.