About Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer
Julia Butler Hansen Refuge was established in 1971 specifically to protect and manage the then endangered Columbian white-tailed deer. The refuge contains over 6,000 acres of pastures, forested tidal swamps, brushy woodlots, marshes and sloughs along the Columbia River in both Washington and Oregon. Diverse habitat that support deer also benefit a large variety of wintering and migratory birds, Roosevelt elk, river otter, reptiles and amphibians, and nesting bald eagles, great horned owls and osprey.Julia Butler Hansen Refuge is one of over 560 sites in the National Wildlife Refuge System, and one of 56 sites established to benefit specific threatened and endangered species. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this system is a vital living heritage, conserving wildlife and habitat for people today and generations to come.
How to Get There
The main unit of the refuge is located along Highway 4 in Cathlamet, WA. Coming from the East, it is approximately 2-miles past Cathlamet. Coming from the West, it is approximately 4-miles past Skamokawa. Turn onto Steamboat Rd to enter the refuge.Visit our "Trails" page for more information on hiking-specific access.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer
Heading to Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer?
No central reservation system listed for Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1447) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer?
The main unit of the refuge is located along Highway 4 in Cathlamet, WA. Coming from the East, it is approximately 2-miles past Cathlamet. Coming from the West, it is approximately 4-miles past Skamokawa. Turn onto Steamboat Rd to enter the refuge.Visit our "Trails" page for more information on hiking-specific access.
How do I contact Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer?
You can reach the park at phone: 360-484-3482 or email: willapa@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
