Turnbull
Cheney, WA 99004-9326
Plan Your Visit
At Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, numerous forms of outdoor recreation are available. Whether hiking, bicycling, or driving, the refuge provides opportunity for viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife. Visitor access is limited to a 3,300-acre Public Use Area, Columbia Plateau Trail and designated sites identified in hunt permits. The remaining portions of the Refuge are preserved as a wildlife sanctuary, with disturbance even by refuge staff kept to a minimum.
Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged. You will find excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in the Public Use Area with its several trails that loop through wetlands, grasslands, pine forest and riparian habitats. Visitors are welcome to drive, walk or bicycle the 5.5-mile auto tour route where most waterfowl and other wildlife can be observed. Moose, deer, and elk are often observed during the early morning or evening hours which is the best time for viewing wildlife. In addition to the 44 mammal species and over 200 bird species, the refuge offers a plethora of wildflowers that peak in mid-May.
America the Beautiful Annual Passes are available at the visitor contact station, when open. The Friends of Turnbull operate a small nature store in the visitor contact station where Blue Goose Passports can be purchased.
America the Beautiful Access Pass (free, US residents with permanent disability, valid for lifetime)
America the Beautiful Senior Pass (must be over 62 years old, valid for lifetime or one year)
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban communities to make a lasting difference.
Services
Entrance to the refuge Public Use Area is free. The refuge sells a series of federal recreation passes, including the America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, Access, Military, and Every Kid Outdoors passes. These passes cover entrance and amenity fees for various federal lands. Additionally, the refuge facilitates Duck Stamp sales and Special Use Permits for commercial, research, or special activities.
About
Established in 1937, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 23,000 acres of the unique Channeled Scablands habitat in eastern Washington. The landscape was forged by volcanism, glaciation, and massive ice-age floods, resulting in a mosaic of basalt outcrops, ponderosa pine forests, and over 130 wetlands. The refuge serves as critical breeding and migration habitat for over 200 bird species and supports diverse wildlife including moose, elk, and rare plants. It is managed to restore and maintain native ecosystem processes including fire-dependent plant communities.