Ridgefield Refuge

Plankhouse replica

Easy (to Boot and Carty Lakes)

2.7-mile loop

20 feet elevation gain

Open all year


Easy (Kiwa Trail)

1.5-mile loop

No elevation gain

Open May 1 to September 30


When Lewis and Clark camped at these Columbia River wetlands in 1805 and 1806 the flocks of birds were so loud that the explorers had trouble sleeping. They also found one of the largest Chinook villages on the river, 14 barn-sized plankhouses with 900 residents. Today the birdlife is still impressive, and there’s a replica of one of the original cedar plankhouses. Two easy loop trails tour the wildlife refuge’s highlights. Pets and bicycles are not allowed.

To start, drive …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington.