Directions & Refuge Maps

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

View the Friends ‘Visit’ page for answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Directions for the Carty Unit, Refuge Office, Carty Lake Trail, and Cathlapotle Plankhouse:

Physical Address: 28908 NW Main Avenue, Ridgefield WA 98642

Driving Directions:

• From Interstate 5 (both north and south) take Exit 14 for Pioneer Street/ Washington 501 W toward Ridgefield.
• From the North: At the exit, turn right onto NW 269th/Pioneer Street.
  From the South: At the exit, turn left onto NW 269th/Pioneer Street.
• At the traffic circle, stay on NW 269th/Pioneer Street.
• At the second traffic circle on NW 269th/Pioneer Street, continue to follow Pioneer Street.
• At Main Street, take a right. Continue on N Main for 1 mile.
• Refuge Entrance will be on the left. Pay the Daily $3 Entry Fee by cash/check only at a visitor contact station, or use a valid Federal Pass for entry.
• Cross the pedestrian bridge to access the Carty Lake Trail, Cathlapotle Plankhouse, and Oaks to Wetlands Trail.

 

Walking Directions:

From downtown Ridgefield, when the Carty Lake Trail typically opens for the season on May 1, walkers will be able to complete a 4.8 mile loop through Downtown Ridgefield, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and the Port of Ridgefield. The loop will serve as a tour of the heart of Ridgefield and offers views of historic downtown buildings, Gee Creek, the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, Carty Lake, and Lake River.

The Oaks to Wetlands Trail (starting where the nature pave ends) will be closed periodically for trail maintenance and habitat restoration work. In the case of extreme weather, the trail will most likely be open, but visit at your own risk.

Directions for River S Unit, Auto Tour Route, Kiwa Trail, and Hunter Check Station:

Physical Address: 1071 S Hillhurst Rd, Ridgefield WA 98642

Driving Directions:

• From Interstate 5 (both north and south) take Exit 14 for Pioneer Street/ Washington 501 W toward Ridgefield.
• From the North: At the exit, turn right onto NW 269th/Pioneer Street.
  From the South: At the exit, turn left onto NW 269th/Pioneer Street.
• At the traffic circle stay on NW 269th/Pioneer Street.
• At the second traffic circle, stay on NW 269th/Pioneer Street. Continue to follow Pioneer Street.
• At S 9th Ave to S Hillhurst Street, turn left. Continue on S Hillhurst Road.
• Refuge Entrance will be on the right. The entrance road is a narrow downhill approach, across the bridge; now you have entered the Refuge. Pay the Daily $3 Entry Fee by cash/check only at a visitor contact station, or use a valid Federal Pass for entry.

Refuge Maps

River 'S' Unit Map

Oaks to Wetlands Trail Map