Ridgefield NWR "S" Unit - Ridgefield, WA
Posted by: 
dkestrel
N 45° 48.419 W 122° 44.590
10T E 519956 N 5072634
Visitors to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge enjoy viewing a variety of wildlife within a few minutes of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area.
Waymark Code: WMJW57
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 01/06/2014
Views: 5
The 5,300 acre Refuge contains a lush mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, riparian corridors, fir forests, and Oregon white oak woodlands. These habitats combined with a mild rainy winter climate provide an ideal environment for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Every fall the Refuge comes alive with thousands of ducks, geese, swans and cranes. These birds depart their northern nesting range and migrate to this area to avoid the harsh Alaskan and Canadian winters. On Ridgefield Refuge, they find resting and feeding areas where they spend the winter months preparing to meet the demands of the spring migration and nesting seasons.
The River 'S' offers the 1-mile Kiwa Trail, which is open for use from May 1 to September 30. The River 'S' Unit also contains the 4.2-mile Auto Tour Route and observation blind that are open year-round during daylight hours. To limit disturbance to wintering waterfowl , visitors must remain in their vehicles along the Auto Tour Route from October 1 to April 30. Enjoy wildlife observation during the winter months as your car serves as your personal mobile observation blind. A portion of the River 'S' Unit is open to waterfowl hunting during the regular waterfowl hunting season.
Park Name: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Sponsoring Organization: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Website: [Web Link]
Entrance Fee: 5.00 (listed in local currency)
List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location:
There is a blind about one third of the way through the auto loop.
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
A clear, original image is required to log a visit to a waymark in this category. The image must contain a bird at the site, a nest, or other evidence that visitors partook in the delight of birdwatching at this site. Please tell us about your experience with an identification of a bird or two that you've seen!