Turnbull Refugewildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in Turnbull Refuge · September
- Visitor contact station open weekends too · May–Oct
225days to the next wildflowers seasonusually May 11–20
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 5:06 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Stay on designated trails and roads (Mar 1–Aug 15)Mar–Aug
- Visitor contact station open weekends tooNowMay–Oct
- Wildflower peak (mid-May)May
Best spots around Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
- Auto tour route5.5 miles to drive, walk or bike; where most of the waterfowl and other wildlife are seen
- Pine Lake Loop TrailAccessible loop; restrooms across from the trailhead
- Kepple Peninsula Interpretive TrailOne of the refuge's accessible trails
- Blackhorse Lake BoardwalkAccessible boardwalk; restrooms at the East and West Blackhorse trailheads
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in 2027?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks May 11–20. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
Is it blooming in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 225 days (usually May 11–20).
When do the wildflowers peak?
In mid-May, per the refuge. Arrowleaf balsamroot, camas, prairie star and lomatium are a few of the flowers to look for.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk off the trails?
Not from March 1 through August 15: every visitor has to stay on designated trails and roads then, to limit disturbance to wildlife and habitats. Public access is limited to a 3,300-acre Public Use Area.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Anything to watch out for?
Ticks. The refuge has a very large wood tick population, most active in spring and summer, so take precautions when hiking. Cell reception is very limited, too.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the best time of day?
Early morning and evening, when moose, deer and elk are most often seen.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge?
Auto tour route: 5.5 miles to drive, walk or bike; where most of the waterfowl and other wildlife are seen; Pine Lake Loop Trail: accessible loop; restrooms across from the trailhead; Kepple Peninsula Interpretive Trail: one of the refuge's accessible trails; Blackhorse Lake Boardwalk: accessible boardwalk; restrooms at the East and West Blackhorse trailheads.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge?
Stay on designated trails and roads (Mar 1–Aug 15) (Mar–Aug).
What is Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Wildflower peak (mid-May) (May), Stay on designated trails and roads (Mar 1–Aug 15) (Mar–Aug) and Visitor contact station open weekends too (May–Oct).