Our Mission

The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge champions the protection of wildlife and their habitats by broadening public understanding of and engagement in the natural and cultural resources of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge offers a beautiful natural environment for exploring and bird watching, community events, and opportunities to get involved in habitat restoration programs. Thank you for your interest in Friends of Ridgefield NWR. We hope to see you at the Refuge soon!

Open hours for both units of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge; open from dawn to dusk on the hour and half-hour. Get exact times, location details, and more, on the Ridgefield Refuge Website.

All seasonal Trails close on September 30th  and re-open May 1st

Please follow all posted signage.

NOTE: The Washington State Discover Pass is not valid on Federally managed public lands, including National Wildlife Refuges. Find a list of acceptable passes here.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Administration Office is open Monday-Friday 9 AM – 3 PM. General inquiries M-F, can be answered at 360-887-4106.
NOTICE

Rive S Unit Auto Tour Closure

*NOTICE* The River ‘S’ Unit Auto Tour Route will be closed today, Monday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 26, for repairs of the driving loop. Admittedly, a bit close to the Holiday for folks traveling! But, a few days of light/no rain are fleeting into December, so the Refuge staff have to take the chances they are given. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 360-887-4106.
 
The Carty Unit year-round trails are open, but on 11/25 and 11/26: The sidewalk in front of HQ is closed for crane (overhead) work. Visiting the Oaks to Wetland Trail requires walking around the office. The sidewalk is closed from the flagpole to Headquarters Trail.

News

Highlights below, view all available news here.

  • 2025 Refuge Photo Contest Calendars

    October 23, 2024

    Snag your fabulous 2025 Calendar today! These stunning beauties showcase the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the dazzling winners of the Pro Photo Supply 2024 Photo Contest—all for just $18.00! Available in 8.5x11, XL, and Jumbo sizes, they’re packed with Refuge Holidays, Fee-Free Days, Awareness Months, Moon Phases, and cool Nature & Wildlife Facts.

  • We Need You!

    June 26, 2024

    Calling all nature enthusiasts! Join other supporters in protecting our precious wildlife. We're seeking passionate individuals with skills in fundraising, board governance, or community representation. Or, if you simply have a heart for wildlife outreach and advocacy, we need you on our board! Together, we can make a difference for the creatures that call Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge home. Interested? Let's chat! Email us to explore how your talents can help preserve this natural treasure.

  • Amazon Wishlist

    June 13, 2024

    When Amazon removed AmazonSmile, we lost our Amazon Wishlist access. Now, we have finally started one back up!

  • Community Nature Center Construction Updates

    April 15, 2024

    Find current flyers and links to details about the Community Nature Center and the Construction on the refuge's Carty Unit, starting March 2024, planned to be complete by 2026.

  • Refuge Field Trips

    January 10, 2024

    Find the link for Self-Guided Activities, Guided Tours, and other ways to visit to Ridgefield National Wildife Refuge Complex refuges

Bird Sightings

Weekly Bird sightings list, Bird Sightings for the year, and Species List

View the Current Refuge Sightings »

Upcoming Events

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Support While You Shop

When Amazon removed AmazonSmile, we lost our Amazon Wishlist access. Now, we have finally started one back up! Shop for items that the Friends and the Refuge Complex need to help with everything from habitat restoration to events like BirdFest & Bluegrass, and help support wildlife in little and big ways.

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Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (PK822). For more information, please visit the link below.

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