Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer

National Wildlife Refuges are places where wildlife comes first, and although people are welcome, activities are regulated and monitored to ensure that impacts are minimal to the plants and animals that call the refuge home, and so future generations can continue to enjoy for years to come. 

Refuge Hours

Visitors are welcome to enjoy refuge trails every day from sunrise to sunset. The office building is open from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, and is closed on all Federal holidays.

Hiking 

Hiking is permitted on refuge trails. Some trails are seasonal only. Please stay on trail to avoid habitat and wildlife disturbance.

Dogs 

Dogs are not allowed on the refuge except for dogs engaged in authorized hunting activities. 

Bicycles 

Bicycles are allowed on the main road (note: there is no bike lane), and White-tail Trail. 

Take Only Memories (and photos!) 

Please do not collect or move archeological or historic objects, or any natural material such as plants, mushrooms, berries, and antler sheds. If you pick something up to take a closer look, put it back where you found it. 

Camping 

Camping is not allowed on the refuge.

Fires 

Fires are prohibited.

Hunting 

Hunting of waterfowl, coot, and snipe is permitted on designated areas of the refuge. All state regulations apply to hunting on the refuge. Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer has lands in both Washington and Oregon, please know where you are and follow state regulations.

Fishing 

Bank fishing is permitted from the Mainland Unit shorelines adjoining Elochoman and Columbia Rivers as well as Steamboat and Brooks Sloughs, and the shorelines of Refuge islands located in Oregon, in accordance with State fishing regulations. Bank Fishing is permitted in the pond adjacent to the Diking District pumping station by Brooks Slough. Areas of the mainland Unit not listed above are closed to fishing. All state regulations apply.   
 

Trapping 

Trapping is allowed on Willapa NWR. Trapping is a wildlife management tool used on some national wildlife refuges. Trapping may be used to protect endangered and threatened species or migratory birds or to control certain wildlife populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also views trapping as a legitimate recreational and economic activity when there are harvestable surpluses of fur-bearing mammals. On this refuge trapping occurs only as a wildlife management tool and is prohibited to be conducted by the public. Signs are posted on refuges where trapping occurs. Contact the refuge manager for specific regulations.

Closures 

Areas within refuge boundaries may be closed to public entry due to sensitive species or restoration activities. Be aware of signs indicating closed areas. The Center Road Trail is closed to all public entry from October through May, including foot travel, to minimize impact on wildlife. Please pay special attention at gates and other points of entry to determine if the area is open.

ATVs and Horses are prohibited on Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

Drones 

The launching and landing of uncrewed aircraft systems/drones are prohibited on all national wildlife refuges.