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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/1/2026Pumpkin Slough & NE 13th Ave.1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit4 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/31/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/31/2026756 NE Lombard St, Portland US-OR 45.57716, -122.657331 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Pumpkin Slough & NE 13th Ave.1 observed

Evening Grosbeak (Northwestern or type 1)

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/31/202697051, Saint Helens US-OR (45.8969,-122.9900)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

305/31/2026

Wood Duck

125/31/2026

Cinnamon Teal

135/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

45/31/2026

Gadwall

135/31/2026

Mallard

225/31/2026

Redhead

45/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

15/31/2026

Vaux's Swift

25/31/2026

Virginia Rail

15/31/2026

Sora

15/31/2026

American Coot

55/31/2026

Killdeer

125/31/2026

Wilson's Snipe

55/31/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

45/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Black Tern

15/31/2026

American Bittern

45/31/2026

Great Egret

115/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

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.