Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.
At Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, numerous forms of outdoor recreation are available. Whether hiking, bicycling, or driving, the refuge provides opportunity viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats. Visitor access is limited to a 2,200-acre Public Use Area, Columbia Plateau Trail and designated sites identified in hunt permits. The remaining portions of the Refuge are preserved as a wildlife sanctuary, with disturbance even by refuge staff kept to a minimum. Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged. You will find excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in the Public Use Area with its several trails that loop through wetlands, grasslands, pine forest and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian habitats. Visitors are welcome to drive, walk or bicycle the 5.5-mile auto tour route where most waterfowl and other wildlife can be observed. Moose, deer, and elk are often observed during the early morning or evening hours which is the best time for viewing wildlife. In addition to the 44 mammal species and over 200 bird species, the refuge offers a plethora of wildflowers that peak in mid-May. Arrowleaf balsamroot, camas, prairie star and lomatium are just a few examples of the beautiful flora found on Turnbull.
Visitor Contact Station
A general refuge brochure and hunting brochures are available at the visitor contact station, located inside the refuge headquarters building. While there, visitors can find more information on the refuge’s history, wildlife, and management. The Friends of Turnbull operate a small nature store in the visitor contact station which offers a wide variety of books, t-shirts, sweatshirts and other gift ideas. Note, the nature store is closed during the winter months from October 31 through March 31.
Activities
With the passage of the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act in 1997, six wildlife-dependent recreational activities are often managed on refuges as long as they are determined to be compatible, legitimate and appropriate public uses of the refuge. Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation are often referred to as the "big six". Turnbull offers five of the big six including a large and diverse environmental education and interpretation programs, great wildlife viewing and photography opportunities, and a limited entry elk hunting program initiated in 2010 to protect the riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian habitat of the refuge.
Environmental Education
National Wildlife Refuges serve many purposes, and one of our most important roles is to serve as an outdoor classroom to teach about wildlife and natural resources. Many refuges offer environmental education programs for a variety of audiences. Refuges provide unique and exciting outdoor environments – excellent locations for hands-on learning activities. Thousands of youth and adult groups visit every year to learn about a specific topic on wildlife, habitat, or ecological processes.
Interpretation
Refuge System interpretation programs provide opportunities for visitors to make their own connections to the natural world. From self-guided walks to refuge staff and volunteer-led programs, many national wildlife refuges help visitors learn more about the wildlife and habitat behind the landscapes.
In addition to staff and volunteers presenting programs to audiences, refuges use a variety of exhibits, signs, brochures, and electronic media to communicate natural history stories to visitors. Printed and virtual information is often available on many topics, including plants and animals, seasonal migrations, habitats, refuge management strategies, and endangered species.
Wildlife Observation
If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, consider a visit to your nearest national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge . From birding to whale watching, from viewing speedy pronghorn antelope or slow-moving box turtles, wildlife observation is the most popular activity for refuge visitors.
From every state and all parts of the globe, about 55 million people visit each year, especially for the chance to see concentrations of wildlife and birds. The National Wildlife Refuge System’s extensive trail system, boardwalks, observation decks, hunting and photography blinds, fishing piers and boat launches encourage visitors to discover America’s best wildlife spectacles.
Photography
Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges in the past decade has been wildlife photography. That’s not surprising – the digital camera population explosion and smart phones with ever-improving picture-taking abilities are increasing the number of nature photographers at a rapid rate. You don’t need to purchase expensive equipment or have any experience to get started. A small camera or basic smart phone will do fine for most visitors.
Millions of people visit outdoor areas each year to photograph wildlife, and national wildlife refuges naturally are at the top of the list. Refuges provide enhanced opportunities to photograph wildlife in natural habitats by providing platforms, brochures, interpreters, viewing areas, and tour routes. Wildlife photography is a high-priority activity in the Refuge System. We welcome beginning and expert photographers alike to record their outdoor adventures on film, memory card or internal hard drive.
Hunting
Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that we recognize as 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 threat to wildlife populations, and in some instances are necessary for sound wildlife management. For example, because their natural predators are gone, deer populations will often grow too large for the refuge habitat to support.
Trails
Enjoy a hike on one of the several trails at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Several short hiking trails and 3 accessible trails are available in the Visitor Use Area. Accessible Trails include Pine Lake Loop Trail, Kepple Peninsula Interpretive Trail and W. Blackhorse Lake Boardwalk. Less than ¼ mile, the Boardwalk Trail is our shortest accessible trail. It offers a smooth boardwalk surface, interpretation panels and ends overlooking the beautiful Blackhorse Lake. The 1.25-mile Pine Lake Loop Trail, with its compacted gravel surface, allows individuals greater mobility in getting out to Pine Lake and enjoying the variety of waterfowl and other wildlife that can be seen near or on the lake. Stationary binoculars purchased by the Friends of Turnbull, have been installed at the head of the trail overlooking Winslow Pool on the entrance road. Restroom facilities, with running water, and an interpretive kiosk is also located in this area. For those seeking a longer hike, a 5.6-mile gravel loop trail allows non-motorized access to Stubblefield Lake, a hot spot for spring migrants. The 2-mile Bluebird Trail, near the entrance to the auto tour route, provides an enjoyable hike through Turnbull’s habitats. The 0.5-mile Kepple Lake Peninsula Trail has a packed gravel surface from the parking lot out to the point of the peninsula. Interpretive guides are available at the trail’s entrance. Environmental education shelters are located at Headquarters, East and West Blackhorse Lake, and Kepple Peninsula Interpretive Trails. Paved parking facilities and vault toilets are also available at these areas. An accessible wildlife observation blind is available on the refuge’s Kepple Peninsula Interpretive Trail thanks to the efforts of several volunteer groups. Please remember that all visitors are required to stay on designated trails and roads March 1 through August 15 to reduce disturbance to wildlife and habitats.
Related Documents
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge General Brochure
Other Facilities in the Complex
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Inland Northwest National Wildlife Refuge Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific refuges. A complex often shares common work priorities and budgets. Shared supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.
Other lands in the Inland Northwest National Wildlife Refuge include: two National Wildlife Refuges, several subunits, and conservation easements in northeastern Washington and northern Idaho. Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, located just outside Cheney, Washington, serves as the complex headquarters. Turnbull is a 2-3 hour drive from Little Pend Oreille and Kootenai Refuges, respectively.
Despite common management oversight, each of the three complex refuges is unique.
Turnbull NWR
Turnbull features over 130 wetlands, ponderosa pine forest, steppe grassland, aspen, and rock outcroppings set in a distinctive landscape that offers many possibilities for experiencing nature.
Location: Southwest of Spokane, in Spokane County, Washington in the “Channeled Scablands”
Purpose: “. . . as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife (EO 7681, July 30 1937) and “. . . for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.”
Acreage: nearly 19,000 acres
Habitat: The Refuge supports an extensive complex of deep permanent sloughs, semi-permanent potholes and seasonal wetlands formed in the depressions left in a landscape scoured by Ice Age floods over fifteen thousand years ago. The uplands are a mixture of ponderosa pine, Palouse steppe, basalt outcrops and scattered aspen.
Public Use: Turnbull attracts an estimated 49,500 annual visitors to its 2,200-acre public use area. Wildlife observation is the primary use but hiking and bicycling on the auto tour are also popular. In 2010 Turnbull offered its first elk and youth waterfowl hunts.
Established: 1937
Little Pend Oreille NWR
Little Pend Oreille is a mountainous forested refuge with clear streams, scattered lakes, and diverse outdoor pursuits.
Location: In Stevens and Pend Oreille counties, Washington in an area dubbed the Forgotten Corner.
Purpose: “. . . as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife (EO May 1939) and “. . . for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.”.
Acreage: 42,594
Habitat: Six forest types including ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, grand fir, cedar, western hemlock, subalpine fir as well as 60 miles of stream, lakes, and wetlands.
Public Use: Little Pend Oreille attracts about 60,000 visitors annually who hunt, fish, view and photograph wildlife, hike, mountain bike, camp, horseback ride, cross country ski and snowshoe.
Established: 1939
Kootenai NWR
Kootenai is a small gem of diverse wetland, cropland, and upland habitats and recreational opportunities.
Location: West of Bonners Ferry, Idaho in Boundary County’s scenic Kootenai River Valley
Purpose: “. . . as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife." (June 24, 1964 approved by MBCC Memorandum).
Acreage: 2,774 acres
Habitat: Provides diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, streams, and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian areas as well as crops for foraging wildlife.
Public Use: Wildlife observation, wildlife photography, walking, bicycling, hunting, interpretation.
Established: 1964
Rules and Policies
Visitor access is limited to a 2,200 acre Public Use Area, Columbia Plateau Trail and designated areas identified in hunt permits. To minimize disturbance to plants and animals, visitors are required to stay on trails and designated roadways March 1 through August 15 and are asked to comply with all regulatory signs. Bicycling is allowed only on Smith Road and the Auto Tour Route. It is not allowed on trails or roads closed to public vehicles. The refuge has a pack it in, pack it out policy. All visitors must carry out their own litter. We suggest you leave your pets at home; however dogs are permitted if they are kept on a non-retractable leash (no longer than 6 ft.) and are under the control of their owner at all times. Camping is not allowed on the refuge. Camping is available at nearby, privately owned and operated resorts and campgrounds. Group athletic training of any kind is not allowed.
Fishing, boating, camping, horseback riding, fires, swimming, bathing, on-ice activities, feeding wildlife, illegal dumping, dogs-off leash, paintball activities, and use of remotely piloted/controlled devices are not permitted on the refuge. The collection of any plant or animal or parts thereof is prohibited except licensed hunting in accordance with state and federal law. ATV, ORV and snowmobile use is prohibited on all areas of the refuge. Only street legal vehicles are permitted on Smith Road and the refuge tour route.
Sport hunting is permitted on the refuge in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Hunters should consult the Washington state hunting regulations. Special refuge hunting regulations also apply.
Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with refuge hunting regulations, i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
There are many fun, interesting, and educational activities you can do on Turnbull. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn't help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing the activity. Please check with refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. Be safe and have an enjoyable experience!
Activities and Visitor Hours
The refuge is open during daylight hours.
Closed Areas
Visitors are allowed only in the Visitor Use Area, Columbia Plateau Trail, and designated sites identified in hunt permits. Visitors are required to stay on trails and designated roadways from March 1 - August 15.
Auto Tour Route
The entrance road, auto tour route, and designated parking areas are available for year-round street vehicle and bicycle use inside the Visitor Use Area. Vehicles must remain on these roadway facilities.
Walking Trails
Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails or roads designated for hiking only. All visitors are required to stay on designated trails and roads from March 1 - August 15.
Columbia Plateau Trail
The refuge is closed to the public on both sides of the trail.
Environmental Education
All field trips and other environmental education activities must be scheduled with the refuge. An entrance fee waiver must be completed for all environmental education activities. Self-facilitated and refuge conducted environmental education classes are restricted to one of the four Environmental Education Outdoor Study Sites identified on the refuge brochure map. No more than 35 students shall be at a study site at one time, and all students/visitors are required to stay on trails within the Environmental Education Study Sites. Please contact the Visitor Services Manager for an entrance fee waiver and to schedule your visit.
Research
Research activities on the refuge require a special use permit.
Hunting
Elk hunting is allowed by refuge permit only during special seasons. Youth waterfowl hunting allowed during the State youth day and weekends from the beginning of the regular waterfowl season until November 30. The refuge is closed to hunting of all other species. During all other times, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is closed to all hunting and discharge of firearms and weapons.
For more information on our expanded youth waterfowl hunt please go to: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/rules-regulations-and-improved-acce…
Firearms
It is prohibited to shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32). Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons are prohibited in Federal Facilities in accordance with 18 USC section 930.
Pets
Dogs are permitted if they are kept on a short (< 6 feet long) leash.
Firewood
Firewood cutting is allowed for off-refuge use by permit only.
Prohibited Activities
Camping, overnight parking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, fires, swimming, bathing, group training, feeding wildlife, illegal dumping, paintball, firewood collecting, and on-ice activities are not permitted on the refuge. ATV, ORV and snowmobile use is prohibited on all areas of the refuge: only street legal vehicles are permitted on Smith Road and the refuge tour route. The collection of any plant or animal or parts thereof is prohibited except licensed hunting in accordance with state and federal law. It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any alcoholic beverage. It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise supply alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one years of age. It is unlawful for any person to possess “drug paraphernalia’ that is used or intended to be used for injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance as defined by Washington State law.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The use of remotely piloted/controlled devices are not permitted on the refuge.
Locations
Refuge Size
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is over 23,000 acres (as of 2020). Of this total, approximately 3,300 acres (roughly 7%) is open to the public as a designated public use area. Areas outside the public use area are closed to the public at all times unless otherwise specified. The refuge maintains an approved stewardship boundary and is approved by Congress to acquire up to 32,640 acres within this boundary from willing sellers. To date, approximately 66% of refuge lands were purchased with Migratory Bird Conservation Commission funds (Federal Duck Stamp monies).
To the Turnbull Visitor Contact Station (Refuge Headquarters)
Traveling from Spokane
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is an approximately 40-minute drive from Spokane, Washington. From Spokane, take I-90 west to the Cheney / Four Lakes Exit (exit 270). Travel west on Highway 904 for approximately 5 miles to the city of Cheney, home of the Eastern Washington University. When you arrive in Cheney continue west through 3 traffic lights. After you pass the third light proceed for one half mile to Cheney-Plaza Road. There, on your left you will see a brown and white sign that reads "Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge 4.5 miles." Turn left on to Cheney-Plaza Road and drive south for 4.5 miles until you see a large refuge entrance sign with a pair of redhead ducks. Turn left on South Smith Road. You will see a welcome sign and kiosk. Refuge headquarters is 2.5 miles down the road.
Traveling from I-90 Eastbound (Moses Lake, Ritzville, Sprague)
Take exit 257 (Tyler) onto WA-904 E towards Cheney for 10.4 miles. Turn right onto Cheney-Plaza Road and continue for 4.2 miles. Turn left on South Smith Road. You will see a welcome sign and kiosk. Refuge headquarters is 2.5 miles down the road.
Traveling from US-195 / SR-270 Northbound (Pullman, Colfax, Rosalia)
Take the exit towards Plaza (non-numbered) then turn right onto South Cheney-Plaza Road. Stay on South Cheney-Plaza Road for 12.6 miles. At the intersection, turn right to continue on South Cheney-Plaza Road for an additional 5.6 miles. Turn right on on South Smith Road. You will see a welcome sign and kiosk. Refuge headquarters is 2.5 miles down the road.