Visit the River 'S' Discovery Auto Tour

The River 'S' Discovery Auto Tour route is a one-way 4.2-mile loop on graveled road that is open every day to vehicles during daylight hours. An informative podcast can be downloaded which coordinates with 14 markers set along the auto tour route. A CD is also available at the Visitor's Station at the entrance of the route or at the refuge headquarters.



Click here for the Discovery Tour Map!

Click here to download the Audio Tour!

Don't have iTunes?
Download the MP3 instead

Tip: Right click on the link and click Save As

Welcome to the Friends of the
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!

What is Happening at the Refuge?

The birds that winter at the refuge are back. It is good to see them for it's like the return of old friends. In many areas of the refuge Cackling Geese cover the grass interspersed with small groups of Dusky Canada Geese. The Sandhill Cranes fly overhead and the lakes are filled with ducks of all kinds. The Eagles watch from the tree tops while the Kinglets playfully flit in the lower branches. It's wintertime at the refuge. Come and see--winter is a good time to visit!

See the current news happenings in the Friends' Newsletter and the Cathlapotle Plankhouse Newsletter.

Our all new 2009 calendar (PDF) shows what will be happening throughout the year at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. It has wonderful photographs from our 2008 photo contest winners and is updated regularly.

Please click on Calendar 2009.
For the months of Nov - Dec

Thanks to all who entered the "2009 Refuge Photo Contest"

Who are Friends of the Ridgefield NWR?

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting educational programs, increasing public awareness and to protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural resources of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and Lower Columbia River area in Washington.

Our web site will show you what the Friends of Ridgefield NWR do and and how you can join us and help.

Please click the links on the drop-down menu above, and we'll take you on a journey to our beautiful Refuge. Along the way we'll show you some of our sucessful projects .

Don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to support the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, to protect the birds and wildlife, and to help you enjoy and love our Refuge.

© 1996-2009 by The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, All Rights Reserved
All photos and graphics are under copyright by photographers. Most wildlife photos © Roger Windemuth
©2009 Web site and website design donated to the Friends of the Ridgefield NWR by Graticle Designs & Brett Lovins
Please do not use photos, graphics, layout without written permission from the copyright holders.