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Spreading 27 miles across the Toppenish Valley in the heart of the Yakima Indian Reservation, this refuge is managed to produce habitat for wintering waterfowl.
Crops are grown by local farmers in a cooperative agreement to provide food for waterfowl and to minimize any damage from waterfowl eating surrounding commercial crops.
Some areas are managed as grasslands and for nesting cover. Unfarmed upland areas, riparian woodlands, open water, marshes, brush piles and farm fields support a large diversity of wildlife.
Hawks, eagles, herons, owls and songbirds are among the species benefiting from habitat and sanctuaries provided. Deer, muskrat, badgers and other mammals are also seen.
A small steelhead trout run still occurs in Toppenish Creek. River otter, badger, and beaver are frequent visitors.
Large concentrations of ducks, geese and other wildlife are present during fall and winter. The old Goldendale Road and lands south of the Marion Drain offer excellent observation opportunities. Raptors and marsh birds, including eagles, hawks, herons, gulls, egrets and terns can also be seen along this route. From December through February, large numbers of waterfowl can be seen as they spend part of their day resting on the refuge.
Bald or golden eagles may be seen along Toppenish Creek. Mallards, shovelers, wood ducks, many water birds and songbirds raise their young here during the spring and summer.
Birds such as long-billed curlews and great blue herons are sometimes seen during this period.
A visitor contact station, wildlife observation tower with interpretive panels is located at the main refuge parking lot. The refuge is administered from the Mid-Columbia River Complex, so office hours are limited. The office on the refuge is periodically staffed in the early morning and late afternoon
A short, self-guided wildlife viewing trail is located at the refuge office.
Regulated waterfowl and upland game bird hunting is permitted.
Outdoor Activities |
