Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
20.00 ft (6.10 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.20 mi (3.54 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Wildlife Trail within the Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge is a flat, grassy hike on an easy trail leading through wetlands and into the refuge's interior.

Beginning in a gravel parking area just outside the park's seasonally locked gate, the trail follows a clearly marked single track path as it approaches the wetlands, where it becomes a grassy path skirting the edges of the ponds and aqueducts.

With the abundance of water, the wildlife refuge is a great birding spot, with hundreds of bird and waterfowl species having been sighted here.

The hike itself is more of an easy stroll, and can get muddy or saturated, depending on recent conditions. While the trail is well marked, visitors can venture off into the further interior of the refuge, reachable by crossing the bridge near the parking employee housing.

A very short distance from the parking area is also an ADA accessible gazebo with informational signage, perched to offer a view over the nearest wetlands area.

There are no bathrooms or water along this hike, and very little shade or protection from the elements.

Additional information about the refuge can be found here.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy walk. Diverse birding opportunities.

Cons

Little protection from the elements.

Trailhead Elevation

745.00 ft (227.08 m)

Highest point

745.00 ft (227.08 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Wildlife
Family friendly
Shelters
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Columbia River Plateau, Washington

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