Finley Refugewinter wildlife

Swans and Roosevelt elk: stop by in the winter, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (a season, not a peak): in the winter. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

Not now: its usual winter wildlife window for this year has passed. Next time: in the winter, local timing.

The resident Roosevelt elk herd is often in the bottomland forests or farm fields on the refuge.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Many are, but winter sanctuary closures start November 1 at Finley, so check the trail map for seasonal and year-round trails before you go.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and weekends 10am to 4pm, closed on federal holidays; it's off Finley Refuge Road, about a mile east of the Bellfountain Road entrance.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Established in 1964, its main goal is wintering habitat for dusky Canada geese.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

No: pets should stay home, and running or jogging isn't allowed on the refuge.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Homer Campbell Memorial Boardwalk and observation blind: a boardwalk to a blind for a close look at water birds, geese, bald eagles and other wildlife; Woodpecker Loop: through the refuge's different habitats, with a wide view of the valley and the Cascade Range.

Swans and Roosevelt elk (Dec–Feb), Wildflowers in the prairies: golden paintbrush, camas, rose checkermallow (Mar–May) and American white pelicans, cormorants and river otters at Cabell Marsh (Jun–Aug).