29mar2022 ~50s_F ~17:30, Swee and i arrived at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge WA for a ramble: (T) > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 2 > 1 > G > 1 > (T) {Stats: Distance ~2.2 mi / Total Time 1 hr ).

There were ~3 vehicles parked, with many more lots available. The Trails were in good condition and seemed well maintained. Indeed, there are Restoration to some of the natural areas. And the Restrooms beside the Trailhead/Parking were Opened and Clean. Many thanks to the Ridgefield NWR 👍

Great views of the forest and its surroundings. Saw a young deer, probably, 2 eagles .. but no other wildlife. Anyway, lots of peace and sweet solitude 😊

During our ~1.5 hours on the Trail, i encountered a total of 6 people; everyone was courteous, cheery, and friendly👍

Happy Trails Everyone. And Be Safe 😊

So all the trails were closed including the Kiwi Trail. The only way to explore the Refuge was via car. Still a nice, 15-mph or less drive around the loop watching the birds, geese, etc. But unfortunately, no hiking available. Hopefully some of these trails will open back up in the summer.

So all the trails were closed including the Kiwi Trail. The only way to explore the Refuge was via car. Still a nice, 15-mph or less drive around the loop watching the birds, geese, etc. But unfortunately, no hiking available. Hopefully some of these trails will open back up in the summer.

Went hiking today it was perfect. seen a couple new birds got close to a deer couldn't do the upper part of the wildlife refugee because it's overgrown and probly closed for good sense there is a  Endangered Crane. The part we couldn't do i highlighted n drew a circle around.. So we done this trail today and it was wonderful but part of the trail that ill show   is closed and possibly been close for a long long time its overgrown and I don't think that they're going to take care of it any more sense there's  Endangered Crane living back there..   Here is the trail i circle that we couldn't do.. upper part.  Then I show you what we all done is highlighted in red.  On the way we didn't take trail bak we took main rd n good thing cus she actually saw a big tree thats out of place n not susspose to b here in wa.. Sequoia tree in Washington.. lol ... have some videos of the close encounter with the deer.. trail in good condition.  Omg tho the mosquitoes.  N seen some weird scat. Hopefully its not bear but I dont think it is. Ill find out later who I'll show the experts r pic.  Plus we seen a awesome   maybe  hawk hovering over above a pond n diving down to catch a fish and actually caught it..  That was so cool to hear the splash

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge re-opened on Saturday, June 13th. My children and I had the pleasure to hike it on Sunday, June 14th. There were quite a few people there; probably 12 cars in the parking lot and more when we returned. Most people were pretty respectful of social distancing. 

The Oaks to Wetland trail is one way; however, the signage is a little confusing. The instructions and arrows point to a counter-clockwise loop. We followed these signs and when we joined another path, the sign to the trail we had been on said "temporarily closed." We noticed that everyone else was going clockwise. In an attempt to keep with the spirit of the signs, we followed suit.  

Plant life has taken over many spots on the trail, but no bushwacking is needed. Just be prepared to walk through grass and brush by stinging nettle. One of the last WTA work parties on this trail did a re-route and decomission. This section is holding up well. If I hadn't been looking for the old trail, I may not have noticed it. Not only has mother nature done a good job of re-establishing the plant life, but the re-route has taken care of a major drainage issue. I believe there is still work planned for this particular area, but we'd had quite a downpour in Ridgefield the previous day and there was no standing water in this particular spot. 

As we approached the turnpike that was put in late 2019, there was one area with drainage problems, which is sure to be addressed once teams are able to return to the trail. The turnpike itself is looking good, but could use a little weeding. 

The Friends of the Refuge have stated that starting the 19th of June the Oaks to Wetland Trail will be partially closed every Thursday for trail maintenance. The closure will be just beyond the paved section at the old oak. For now, admission is free. Please remember that dogs are not permitted outside of vehicles on refuge grounds.