Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer protects wild species and wild spaces. This makes the refuge an outstanding place for wildlife watching. Many ducks, geese and other waterfowl find sanctuary in the refuge during spring and fall migration. Deer and elk can regularly...

Hiking is a great way to experience the refuge while getting all the benefits of physical activity. Three trails are located on the refuge, including the White-tail Trail, the Center Road Trail (open seasonally) and the Tenasillahe Trail on Tenasillahe Island. See our Trails page...

Birding is fast becoming a popular hobby of novices and experts alike, and with a large variety of species Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer is great place to give it a try! Bring binoculars, a birding ID book or app, and your patience and determination for the...

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography. You don’t need to purchase expensive equipment or have any experience to get started. A small camera or basic cell phone will do just fine for most visitors.

The 2 mile Wildlife Drive at the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge includes 8 stops that correspond with an informational brochure and numbered signs, as well as an improved parking area adjacent to the Columbia River at the end of the tour.  Pick up a copy of the brochure...

Access to much of the Refuge is by boat only, including Wallace, Crims, Tenasillahe, Hunting and Price Islands. Bring your kayak, canoe or motorized boat to visit, and snoop in the shallows of sloughs and investigate shorelines. 

In Washington, boat ramps are...

Access to much of the refuge is by boat only, including Wallace, Crims, Tenasillahe, Hunting and Price Islands. Bring your kayak, canoe or motorized boat to visit, and snoop in the shallows of sloughs and investigate shorelines. 

In Washington, boat ramps are...

Refuge waters include the Elochoman and Columbia Rivers. The fishing season is year-round. Available species include steelhead, Chinook and coho salmon, largemouth bass and sturgeon.

Bank fishing is permitted from the Mainland Unit shoreline adjoining the Elochoman and Columbia Rivers as...

At many national wildlife refuges, white-tailed deer hunting is important to help conserve habitat and keep deer populations in check. However, Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer conserves a federally threatened white-tail subspecies. Columbian white-tail, unlike...

Biking is allowed on the entrance road through the refuge (Steamboat Slough Rd) and on White-tail Trail. Please watch for pedestrians and motor vehicles.