This Wildlife Refuge Near Portland Is Perfect For A Winter Day Trip

If you are looking for fun day trips from Portland, this wildlife refuge in Southwestern Washington must be added to your bucket list. Located just under an hour from the city, the national reserve houses 5,200 acres of marsh, wetlands, and woodlands, and is just waiting to be explored.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is home to a myriad of wildlife and an opportunity to escape into nature like no other.

The opportunity to see a wide variety of water fowl awaits at this amazing spot.

Herons are plentiful and chances are you will get a glimpse at a majestic Great Blue Heron on your trip.

The refuge is divided into five sections. Of the five, two are open for public enjoyment, while the other three are reserved for animal sanctuary without disturbance from humans.

Even so, everywhere you look, wildlife abounds at the refuge. Here a Cinnamon Teal pair relaxes on the water.

Whether you want to do some hiking or take the auto tour route, there is plenty of beauty to see all around you at this park.

The auto tour route is open only from May through September, to allow the wintering waterfowl to be undisturbed during this time. Hiking trails are open year round.

Sometimes nature takes its course right in front of you, like this Great Blue Heron enjoying a garter snake.

And other times, you just see the work that goes into a good meal, like these Northern Pintail Ducks fishing together.

If you are lucky, you might even get to see an elusive North American River Otter.

Keep a lookout for beavers, mink, porcupines, nutria, weasels, and white-tailed deer too. They all call the refuge home.

Or you may even see a lovely family of Mallards enjoying the sun.

Keep your eyes peeled though. You never know where something will be hiding, like this Northern Shoveler blending in with the snow.

Teeming with wildlife, this park is a fun place to explore nature, take photographs, and have a fun day with friends or family.

The park is open daily from dusk until dawn, with automatic gates locking after hours.

Because it is a wildlife refuge, dogs and bikes are not allowed. Be sure to pack out anything that you came in with, as there are no garbage cans available. Restrooms are available for use year round.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is located at 28908 NW Main Avenue in Ridgefield, WA. There is a $3 entrance fee per car at the refuge, and only cash or check are accepted.

Have you visited the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.