State Parks and National Parks

The Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a resting and wintering area for raptors and waterfowl, including Canada geese. A variety of marsh and water birds, as well as woodland songbirds, make their homes in the 1,054-acre habitat.

The refuge, located mostly between Washington State Hwy. 14 and the Columbia River just east of Washougal, consists of reed canarygrass, marshes, woodlands and pastures. Scattered patches of cottonwoods are found in riprarian areas, while pastures and a small remnant stand of Oregon white oak are found in the uplands.

Gibbons Creek supports small runs of coho salmon and steelhead.

A service road on the Columbia River dike along the southern edge of the refuge is open for walking. Otherwise, the refuge is closed to public access while a management plan is designed.

Call the refuge for information about spring and autumn birding tours.