We do have areas that are wheelchair accessible here. At Refuge Headquarters there is a 1/8 mile paved trail to an overlook of the Little Pend Oreille River. The McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail is a 1/2 mile crushed rock trail to McDowell Lake. There you will find...
Our new 10 mile long Auto Tour loop begins at the Refuge Headquarters kiosk where a variety of maps orient visitors to the features and topography of the Refuge. From here a short paved trail leads to a view of the Little Pend Oreille River Valley and distant Calispel Mountain. ...
Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. Biking may be permitted at sites where it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, if it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose and the refuge manager determines it to be a compatible use.
Two hundred six bird species have been recorded on the Refuge. Lakes and marshes, rivers, meadows and forested mountains provide varied habitats for birds. White-headed and black-backed woodpeckers entice many birders to the Refuge. We also have bird checklists available at Refuge headquarters...
Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds that have metal fire rings from April 14 through December 31. There is a 7 day camping limit within a 30 day consecutive period for all designated campgrounds from April 14 through September 30.
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges lend gear or rent it at low cost.
Many sites do not allow dogs because they can disturb wildlife. Refuges that do allow dogs generally require that they be leashed. Some sites allow hunters and sledders to bring dogs.
Firewood cutting for off Refuge use is allowed by special use permit and is for personal use only. Permits are available at Refuge headquarters during office hours and cutting is only allowed from July 15 through October 31. Firewood cutting permits can be obtained by ...
Fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Fishing is permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the...
The Refuge has 3 hiking trails. The Mill Butte Trail is a 4.5 mile loop that starts at Refuge Headquarters. The summit is 2,619 feet with a 360 degree view. The trail is rated moderately difficult.
The McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail is a 1.2 mile loop that starts at River...
Horseback riding is only allowed on maintained roads and horse trails. Horses are not allowed on any of the hiking trails including the McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail.
Camping with horses is only allowed in Bear Creek and Horse Camps. Horses cannot be tied directly to trees....
We recognize that hunting is a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciation of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. As practiced on refuges, hunting, trapping and fishing do not pose a...
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Perhaps the fastest growing activity on National Wildlife Refuges is wildlife photography. A photo blind for public use is located near McDowell Marsh; access is from the McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail at River Camp. Your vehicle also serves as an excellent photo blind. ...
Rangers lead wildlife walks, tours and educational programs at many sites. Events may focus on wildflowers or birds or on seasonal spectacles, such as elk bugling or sea turtle nesting. Some programs may be limited in size or require advance registration. See individual websites for details.
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges loan out gear or rent it at low cost.
Wildlife viewing carries responsibilities; observe from a safe distance and use binoculars. Move slowly and casually, not directly toward wildlife. Your vehicle can serve as a blind and allow you to watch wildlife without panicking them. The Refuge is home to several species of large mammals who...
