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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Ridgefield Refugewinter wildlife

Fall migration, from September through December, brings ducks, geese, swans and sandhill crane families to rest at the refuge, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Sep 1–Dec 31). No official report yet this season.

Local timing
Sep 1–Dec 31
General timing for this place: not a peak date, and not a forecast.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge through the year

  • Spring bird migration, usually mid-March to mid-MayMar–May
  • Carty Trail, Port entrance to Gee Creek bridge: openNowMay–Sep
  • Fall migration: ducks, geese, swans and sandhill cranesNowSep–Dec
  • Auto Tour open to vehicles onlyOct–Apr

Where to watch

  • Auto Tour routeOpen year-round; from October through April you stay in your car, which keeps wintering waterfowl from seeing you as a predator
  • Oaks to Wetlands Trail (Carty Unit)A year-round trail from the Carty Unit entrance; the parking lot has two ADA vault toilets and no running water

Ridgefield Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Hiking boots on a leaf-covered woodland trail among bare and mossy trees
A walker on a trail at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, December 3, 2021. Photo: Josie Finley/USFWS · public domain · resized

How we know

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ridgefield NWR: Wildlife watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ridgefield NWR: Visit us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?

Fall migration, from September through December, brings ducks, geese, swans and sandhill crane families to rest at the refuge, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Sep 1–Dec 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

Is it wildlife season at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge right now?

There's no official report yet this season.

Can I walk the Auto Tour in winter?

No: from October through April the Auto Tour is open to vehicles only, so your car works as a viewing blind and the wintering waterfowl stay undisturbed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ridgefield NWR: Visit us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Is there a fee?

Yes, Ridgefield is a fee site; the refuge's Rules and Policies page lists the entrance fee and passes.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ridgefield NWR: Visit us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Which trails stay open in winter?

The Oaks to Wetlands Trail in the Carty Unit is open year-round. The Carty Trail from the Port entrance to the Gee Creek bridge is open only May 1 to September 30.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ridgefield NWR: Visit us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?

Auto Tour route: open year-round; from October through April you stay in your car, which keeps wintering waterfowl from seeing you as a predator; Oaks to Wetlands Trail (Carty Unit): a year-round trail from the Carty Unit entrance; the parking lot has two ADA vault toilets and no running water.

What is Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?

Fall migration: ducks, geese, swans and sandhill cranes (Sep–Dec), Spring bird migration, usually mid-March to mid-May (Mar–May), Auto Tour open to vehicles only (Oct–Apr) and Carty Trail, Port entrance to Gee Creek bridge: open (May–Sep).