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Ridgefield NWR Website
About the Refuge

Our Mission

The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a non-profit membership organization that 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 RNWR offers a beautiful natural environment for exploring and bird watching, community events, and volunteer opportunities in habitat restoration programs.

See current open hours, updates, location details and more on the official Ridgefield Refuge Website

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Open Hours. What are Today’s Open Hours? Before you travel, check here for today’s daily open hours (scroll down) on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (RNWR) Website. While open hours are typically sunrise to sunset for both Units of the Refuge that are open to the public — Carty and River S/Auto Tour — unexpected weather or other closures may impact daily hours.
  • Trails Status. Are all Refuge trails open? See this page for current trail closures. All seasonal trails are typically closed October 1 through April 30, subject to change.
  • Entry Fees and Passes. Is there an Entry Fee? Either a Daily $3 Fee -or- valid Federal Pass will be accepted for entry to the Refuge.
    • Onsite, you can pay the Daily $3 Entry Fee by cash/check only at a visitor contact station, using exact change. This fee covers all Refuge visitors in a single vehicle, motorcycle, or up to 4 adults on foot. Youth age 15 and under are always free.
    • Scan the QR Code at the contact station to instantly purchase a pass online through Rec.gov.
    • Or, you can use a valid Federal Pass for entry. Here’s a list of valid Federal Passes that are accepted for entry to the Refuge. Use your existing pass, or purchase one at the RNWR Administration Office, Mon-Fri, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
    • Note: State passes, such as The Washington State Discover Pass, are not valid on Federally managed public lands, including Ridgefield NWR and all National Wildlife Refuges.
  • Transportation Assistance. Is there transportation available to the Refuge? For Ridgefield area residents, check out C-Tran’s $1 on-demand rideshare service, The Current.
  • Questions? Can I hike with my dog? Can I fish? Review this page for Refuge Rules and Policies. Or, for general questions or to check for staff availability, you can call the Ridgefield NWR Administration Office at 360-887-4106, Mon-Fri, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
    Onsite, the Office is open: Mon-Fri, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
USFWS Ridgefield Refuge Website »

Community Nature Center Construction at Carty Unit off of N Main Avenue

Construction on the new building continues through the next year and may cause temp closures and trail reroutes. Check the FWS website first before you visit. Administrative Office Hours depend on staff and volunteer availability. Call ahead if you need assistance.

News

Highlights below, view all available news here.

  • Ridgefield Raptors vs Springfield Drifters FRNWR

    May 27, 2025

    Support the Friends of Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge at the Ridgefield Raptors vs. Springfield Drifters game on Thursday, June 26th! Friends of Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge will receive 50% of ticket sales made through this ticketing page ONLY!

  • Refuge System Advocacy

    February 19, 2025

    With fewer biologists, natural resources professionals, and park rangers - habitats will degrade, endangered species will go unmonitored, trails will remain unmaintained and become subject to vandalism, and visitors will lose access to environmental education and recreation opportunities. These cuts put communities, ecosystems, and outdoor recreation at risk. Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge stand in solidarity with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, our closest partner, and the reason for our work. We urge all who love our public lands to speak out by contacting your elected representatives.

  • Friends of Ridgefield NWR End-of-Year Impact Report 2024

    January 30, 2025

    View the Friends of Ridgefield 2024 End-of-Year Impact Report, a supplement to the Annual Report, to keep you up-to-date and in the know about what is going on!

  • Community Nature Center Project

    December 12, 2024

    Details about the Community Nature Center on the refuge's Carty Unit, starting March 2024, planned to be complete by spring of 2026. Learn what the Friends are doing to fund the project, and how a Grant from the Keller Foundation gave us a great kick-off, along with a $25,000 match to meet!

  • 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.

Bird Sightings

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

View the Current Refuge Sightings »

Refuge Info

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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