Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Merced National Wildlife Refuge is an important wintering destination for ducks, geese, sandhill cranes and other waterbirds traveling the Pacific Flyway. Here, thousands of acres of seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands are intensively managed to provide high-quality habitat and forage for ducks...

Enjoy the refuge auto tour route for spectacular wildlife observation and photography experiences! All refuge complex auto tour routes are one-way unless marked otherwise. Please stay in your vehicle on auto tour routes, except at designated areas where signage indicates getting out is allowed....

The refuge features a covered picnic shelter with 2 tables near the main entrance information kiosk. Picnic tables are also available along the Bittern Marsh trail. Please pack your trash out with you.

The refuge is home to large concentrations of wintering ducks, geese, and swans, as well as migrating shorebirds during spring and fall and many waders and other waterbirds. Neotropical migrants and grassland songbirds are also abundant -- all are easily viewed from the refuge's auto tour route...

The refuge features 4 nature trails for wildlife observation and photography. Nature trails are open to foot traffic only. Please stay on trails, except at special areas where leaving the trail is allowed and indicated by signage.  Dogs are allowed on nature trails, but must be on a leash...

The refuge offers visitors a 5-mile auto tour route and 4 nature trails from which to observe a diversity of wildlife in nature. Wildlife tend to be the most active during morning and early evening hours. There is always something to see throughout the year, but the peak season for wildlife...

Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at the refuge throughout the year. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges. Merced NWR offers a 5-mile auto tour route and 4 nature trails, all situated and managed for ideal...