Closed for now.  See:

https://www.fws.gov/nwrs/threecolumn.aspx?id=2147563140

Refuge closed! Looks like they are doing dike work.

An easy hike out to the dike and back. Many bird watchers were out and it was a lovely if not chilly over cast typical WA day in SW WA. The kids loved seeing the birds including some bald eagles and blue herons so close to the trail I could have reached out and touched them (don't worry I didn't!) There was a lot of useful knowledge along the trail to teach us about birds. Part of the trails were closed for winter nesting grounds, we will be back in the spring to see that area! 

Bit of a rainy day, nobody on the trail other than some contractors doing tree work. Lots of birds to see, ducks, geese, swan, heron, falcon (maybe a harrier). Be sure to bring binoculars as the lake is a ways away from the trail itself. Lots of nutria there as well. peaceful calm day, a great place to unwind.

 We entered the NWR from the back off of the dike trail that runs between the refuge and the Columbia River.  The trail is in good shape, its a nice flat hike through the refuge with a couple of bridges to cross.  We saw a couple of ducks, osprey in their nest and a photogenic blue heron.   This is our second time going to the refuge this time of the year.  It's apparently not a heavy migration time, so you see more wildlife from the dike trail where you can see the Columbia River, and you are elevated a bit compared to the NWR so the views are more vast. Part of the back loop we did is closed Oct - April.  No matter how you access the refuge, it is easy to reach, all paved roads off Highway 14, near Washougal.