A hawk sitting on top of a sign in a field

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$3 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/21/20269015 Northeast 83rd Court, Vancouver, Washington, US (45.688, -122.587)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/21/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit4 observed

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/21/2026Leif Erickson Trail2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/19/2026Kelley Point Park1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/19/2026Broughton Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pied-billed Grebe

47/21/2026

Great Egret

137/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Tree Swallow

17/21/2026

European Starling

127/21/2026

House Finch

17/21/2026

Song Sparrow

27/21/2026

Canada Goose

327/21/2026

Wood Duck

27/21/2026

Mallard

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

17/21/2026

American Coot

37/21/2026

Sandhill Crane

47/21/2026

Killdeer

17/21/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

17/21/2026

American Bittern

17/21/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/21/2026

Cinnamon Teal

57/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit?
Notable species at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Ring-necked Duck, Sandhill Crane, American Kestrel, California Scrub-Jay, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit?
Birding at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit?
The entrance fee at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit is $3 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit?
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - River 'S' Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.