Located just east of Washougal WA, the refuge is the Western gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Temporary Closure: July 2nd

NOTICE: Main Trailhead Parking Lot Closed: July 2nd
The Parking lot at the Main entrance to Steigerwald Lake NWR (off Hwy 14) will be closed to all public access beginning the morning of July 2nd and extend through the day. It will reopen to the public by the days' end.

Parking in front of the gate and along Hwy 14 is unsafe. For access to the refuge during the parking lot closure, visitors can use the entrance via Captain William Clark Park to access the Refuge River Trail. Please respect the closure so staff can focus on the work and enhancing the entrance area for you to enjoy.

Visit Us

Come see the NEW Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge trail system and watch this restored habitat grow up with the community. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Steigerwald Lake NWR was established in 1987 to offset lowland habitat loss caused by construction at the Bonneville dam. These lands were established to reduce the impact of this loss and provide more habitat for migrating and resident wildlife. Since then smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Steigerwald Lake NWR. 

      What We Do

      Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything we do from projects and research to the recreational activities offered. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC
      A bison grazing in the foreground with mountains and a city and electrical infrastructure in the background
      The Urban Wildlife Conservation Program expands access to green space, education and outdoor recreation for Americans living in and around cities and suburbs.
      Program

      Get Involved

      Everyone plays a part in the health of our communities. You may be interested in working to create better homes for native wildlife. Or perhaps you want to help others learn about and enjoy the outdoors. There are many ways to get involved that work with your interests. 

      Projects and Research

      Steigerwald Project logo with text Steigerwald Reconnection Project, a green fish and duck dabbling into the water with topographic lines in the background.
      Image Details

      The Steigerwald Reconnection Project is a collaborative effort to reconfigure the existing Columbia River levee system to reduce flood risk to the neighboring community, reconnect 965 acres of Columbia River floodplain, and enhance recreation opportunities at the refuge.