Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
Park Forest wildlife refuge protecting diverse habitats in Washington
Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Washington preserves forested ridges and valleys; wildlife observers, hikers and backcountry campers visit for elk, birding and remote trails.
Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge in northeastern Washington State that protects mixed-conifer forest, wetlands and mountain habitats across roughly 42,000 acres.
The refuge provides habitat for a variety of wildlife and permits low-impact public uses such as hiking, wildlife observation, fishing and regulated hunting on designated lands.
It was established in the mid-20th century to conserve habitat in the Selkirk Mountains and remains managed for species protection and ecosystem conservation.
The refuge sits in northeastern Washington within the Selkirk Mountain area, east of Colville and within driving distance of regional towns in that part of the state.
- Size and management: Covers roughly 42,000 acres and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for wildlife habitat and compatible public uses.
How to Get to Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge #
The refuge headquarters is near Colville, Washington. From Colville, follow state and county roads north and east according to refuge signage; the area is rural and best accessed by car. Check the refuge website or call ahead for visitor center hours and road conditions.
Tips for Visiting Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge #
- Bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching along the refuge's trails and overlooks.
- Exploring off the main roads requires careful planning; stargazing is exceptional due to low light pollution.
- Respect seasonal closures - some areas are closed to protect nesting raptors and elk calving.
Best Time to Visit Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge #
Spring and fall are the best seasons for wildlife viewing; check refuge notices for seasonal trail closures.
Weather & Climate near Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge #
Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (566 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 29 mm.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. The driest month with just 29 mm.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain.
