State Parks and National Parks

The Julia Butler Hansen refuge offers critical habitat for the endangered Columbian white-tailed deer. The refuge also provides a wintering area for tundra swans, Canada geese, mallards, American wigeon and pintails.

Deer and elk are easily observed and photographed from the county road that circles the mainland portion of the refuge. Evenings and mornings are the best time to spot animals.

The valuable habitat the refuge preserves for the deer also benefits a large variety of wintering birds, a small herd of Roosevelt elk, river otter, various reptiles and amphibians including painted turtles and red-legged frogs, and several pairs of nesting bald eagles and osprey. Today, about 300 Columbina white-tailed deer live on the refuge.

From Cathlamet, drive west on State Hwy. 4 for two miles to Steamboat Slough Road (just west of Elochoman River bridge), refuge entrance is on left. Follow Steamboat Slough Road through refuge. Islands are accessible by boat only.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.