Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1994 to protect a remnant of the bottomland hardwood forest found along the Trinity River. The 30,000-acre refuge is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System – a national network of lands and waters set aside and managed for the benefit of wildlife, habitat and you. A visit to the refuge could result in a glimpse of a bald eagle, Swainson’s warbler, or even a swallow-tailed kite overhead. A ride on refuge waters might result in sightings of American alligators, alligator gar, and even alligator snapping turtles.

Visit Us

Within the boundaries of the refuge, the forest is composed of river cane, various oaks, elms, ash, water hickory, American sycamore, eastern cottonwood, and baldcypress trees. The refuge has approximately 37 miles of primitive trails scattered over 10 refuge day use areas. Champion Lake and Pickett’s Bayou are popular sites for kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and crabbing. Be prepared to enjoy the wildlife that call this amazing landscape home for all or part of the year, including wood duck, white-tailed deer and colorful migratory birds.  

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      The refuge supports numerous species that are intricately tied to the bottomland hardwood forest, including alligator gar, swallow-tailed kites, alligator snapping turtles, little blue heron, and Rafinesque’s big-eared bats. By protecting the forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is ensuring these species, as well as many others, continue to have the resources they need to survive for generations to come.