Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
Park Wildlife refuge conserving shrub-steppe and migratory birds
A refuge in southeastern Washington protecting riparian and shrub-steppe habitats along the Columbia River corridor; visited for bird migration observation and wildlife viewing.
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-managed refuge in central Washington that protects shrub-steppe, riparian and wetland habitats. It preserves habitat types characteristic of the Columbia Plateau and supports resident and migratory wildlife.
The refuge offers wildlife-viewing opportunities across open grasslands and wet meadows and is used for birdwatching and seasonal waterfowl observation. Trails and access routes are limited and most wildlife viewing is done from roadside pullouts and short walks to wetland edges.
The area is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Management focuses on habitat conservation for grassland and wetland species and on maintaining water regimes in marshes and playas.
The refuge sits on the Columbia Plateau in central Washington State, in the general vicinity between the towns of Othello and Moses Lake.
How to Get to Columbia National Wildlife Refuge #
Located in south-central Washington state. From Moses Lake or Othello, follow state and county roads toward the refuge; local signs mark the main access points and observation pullouts. A car is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Columbia National Wildlife Refuge #
- Check refuge notices before visiting-some units close seasonally for breeding or hunting.
- Use the auto-tour routes and pullouts at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife viewing.
- Bring binoculars and a scope for viewing from observation points-wildlife is often distant in open marshes.
Best Time to Visit Columbia National Wildlife Refuge #
Spring and fall migrations are prime for birdwatching; summer can be hot and winter may reduce visible wildlife.
Weather & Climate near Columbia National Wildlife Refuge #
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 30°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 5 mm.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain.
