Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge -Oaks to Wetlands Loop Hike

The Oaks to Wetlands trail is located in the northernmost section of the refuge. This area was an oak forest before European settlement and fire suppression encouraged Douglas firs to take over. To bring back the original forest the firs are being removed which will allow the oaks to grow large and spread their branches.

The trail is a figure eight consisting of a small loop and a much larger second loop. It starts at the refuge headquarters. Follow the sidewalk to the bridge that arches up and over the railroad tracks. We were lucky and a train came as we were crossing the bridge. After the bridge the trail becomes hard packed dirt and gravel and leads to a reconstructed Cathlapotle Plankhouse which may be opened on weekends for tours. The trail is then paved and continues to a viewpoint with interpretive signs about the huge 400 year old oak tree and an 1880 basalt quarry. This is the meeting point of the loops. A hard packed dirt trail finishes the small loop to return to the plankhouse.

 

 

The small loop is accessible but it's all downhill to the huge oak so wheelchair user may need assistance on the return trip. We walked/rolled along the large loop too. It is not accessible due to hilly terrain, narrow sections, rocks, and roots.

      

We also walked/rolled along the Cary Lake Trail. The first part is a dirt road through a meadow but it becomes rocky and impossible to roll along after crossing Gee Creek.

The parking lots are large enough for RVs but they are surfaced with large gravel. Smaller RVs may fit in the paved accessible spaces near the refuge headquarters.  Refuge  45.83063, -122.74745