Main image

Brambleshire CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge

Park

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 SeattleOlympia, WashingtonTacoma, WashingtonSpokane, WashingtonVancouver, WashingtonBellevue, WashingtonEverett, WashingtonKent, WashingtonLittle Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
In this guide

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge essentials

Address: Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Colville, Washington, United States
Website: fws.gov
Hours: Visitor center seasonal hours vary; refuge lands generally open sunrise to sunset
Admission: Free; fees may apply for certain permits or programs
GoogleAppleOSM

About Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge

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.
When to Go

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.

Spring
April-June · 40-70°F (4-21°C)
Wildflowers and migrating birds increase activity; best time for birdwatching.
Fall
September-November · 35-60°F (2-15°C)
Elk and deer movements, quieter trails, crisp air.

Weather & Climate near Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge

Climate

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).

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -8° - -1° -8° 61 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
February - -6° - 3° -5° 47 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
March - -3° - 8° -1° 49 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
April - 0° - 13° 4° 42 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
May - 4° - 18° 11° 53 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
June - 7° - 22° 14° 49 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
July - 9° - 26° 18° 29 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
August - 9° - 27° 18° 30 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
September - 5° - 22° 13° 29 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
October - 0° - 14° 5° 32 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
November - -3° - 4° -2° 71 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
December - -7° - 0° -7° 74 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.