Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is the eastern end of the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail and features stunning river and mountain views and year-round wildlife viewing opportunities. The 1,049-acre refuge, which lies partly within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, consists of a walking path, historic riverine flood plain habitat, semi-permanent wetlands, cottonwood-dominated riparian corridors, pastures, and remnant stands of Oregon white oak as well as a 2 ¾ mile art trail.

More than 200 of the area’s 300 bird species have been observed on this relatively small refuge. Open during daylight hours every day, the trailhead has parking, an interpretive kiosk with brochures, and restroom. A section of the trail is closed to protect wintering waterfowl from October 1 through April 30 of each year. While providing an important nesting and wintering area for raptors and waterfowl, it is also at a crossroads.