Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is 3 mi. w. of I-5 exit 14; entrance is at 1071 S. Hillhurst Rd. The Carty unit features a 2-mile self-guiding hiking trail through open fields and oak and fir tree groves. Cathlapotle Plankhouse, a full-scale replica of a Chinookan structure, houses natural and cultural history exhibits. The River “S” Unit, south of Ridgefield, consists of ponds, fields and pasture. A 4.2-mile self-guiding driving tour route is open daily; a 1.5-mile hiking trail is open May through September.

The refuge is home to sandhill cranes, songbirds, reptiles and mammals. Canada geese, tundra swans and a variety of ducks are numerous in the winter months.

Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.