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50plus Magazine
Greater Portland EditionHeadlinersWillamette Valley Edition

Winter Wildlife Viewing – From Your Car!

50Plus Magazine

Jennifer Kent

Words

Anne Nelson, Instagram@ThinkLikeAPoet

Images

Yeah, it’s finally winter.  Those from the Pacific Northwest know that hiking and exploring in the rain is just part of the deal. But once in a while we want to stay dry AND still enjoy the flora and fauna of this beautiful area.

Consider a day trip to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Only 26 miles north of Portland, RNWR has a drive-through viewing option that is perfect for those lazy, rainy winter days when an outdoor adventure would drench both body and soul. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy some solitary time, explore with a partner or grab the grandkids to discover this diverse and everchanging landscape.  It’s also an ideal outing for anybody with mobility challenges who still appreciates exploring nature but has limitations in doing so.

Tips:

  • Go early morning or at the “golden hour” right before sunset. Many of the animals are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and you’re more likely to see things scurrying and flying about during these hours.
  • Take binoculars! This is a must — you never know what lurks in the trees or streams.
  • Drive slowly. The four-mile loop should take you anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The longer you linger in one place, the better your chances of seeing wildlife.
  • Pull over when you can and just take it all in. And kindly pull over to let other cars pass.
  • Stay in your car. From October through April the loop is only accessible by vehicles to reduce disturbance to wintering waterfowl. You may get out of car at the entrance and at the viewing blind halfway through.
  • Take a camera. You never know what you’ll see!
  • There is a whiteboard at the entrance where visitors can note the animals they’ve seen recently. Be sure to check it out so you can be on the lookout for what’s flying, swimming and running around there.

What else to do? Explore Ridgefield! It’s a charming little city with a quaint downtown you don’t want to miss.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge S unit (Auto Tour Route)

1071 S Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield, Washington

Admission  $3 per car; open 7:30am-6:30pm

www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield

Directions from Portland

  • Take I-5 to exit 14, Ridgefield, Washington.
  • Turn left onto Pioneer Street
  • Turn left at S 9th Ave/S Hillhurst Rd
  • About ½ mile on your right you’ll see signs. It’s right by the dog park.