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Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
4.5 ★★★★★ 349 Google reviews · Running trail in Washougal, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 6.8 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This large refuge on the Columbia River offers a trail & wildlife observation plus guided hikes.
What runners say about Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
“The space is going to fill in beautifully over the next years but it is already gorgeous.”
“Plenty of benches to have a sit on and a little bit of shade here and there.”
“This is a beautiful and serene area to walk a nice, gravel trail.”
“Perfect Trail for all ages along the Colombia river.”
This wildlife refuge is a gem! If you love to watch birds; which you will see in abundance here, amongst deer and other wildlife, you will love this place! 👍🏼 This 6.8-mile roundtrip refuge has well kept trails through wetlands and riparian forest.
Great short hike. Has a biking trail that connects from Captain Clark Park. I really like how the gravel trails are elevated and you get a view into the wetlands. This is a great place if you are a bird watcher, I saw a lot of people with cameras and binoculars. Being next to the river makes it beautiful on sunny days.
This is a beautiful and serene area to walk a nice, gravel trail. You can see and hear a bunch of different birds. We saw a bald eagle perched high up in a tree along the river. Great place for a morning walk or weekend hike! There are a few bicyclists and an occasional horse rider also.
Newly relocated and remodeled entrance and parking lot. Restrooms are available in the parking area. Many hiking options on the elevated, graveled trail system. Peaceful. Beautiful. Your hike will be filled with the sound of birds.
Trail conditions & character
“The space is going to fill in beautifully over the next years but it is already gorgeous.”
“You start at the Mountain View Trail from the parking lot, and from there you can branch out onto several other trails.”
“I really like how the gravel trails are elevated and you get a view into the wetlands.”
“Plenty of benches to have a sit on and a little bit of shade here and there.”
“This is a beautiful and serene area to walk a nice, gravel trail.”
“Path along the levee is wide enough for wheelchairs.”
“👍🏼 This 6.8-mile roundtrip refuge has well kept trails through wetlands and riparian forest.”
Plan your run at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance6.8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone+1 360-835-8767
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–4:30 pm |
Running trails near Washougal
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Kiosk)
4.6 ★★★★★ 161 reviews
Tranquil refuge featuring gravel trails for easy hiking and walking while watching birds and other wildlife.
Captain William Clark Park
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Relaxed sandy beach and picnic area offering views of the Columbia River and an outdoor shower.
Campen Creek Park
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Schmid Family Park
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Hathaway Park
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Spacious, clean park featuring playgrounds for kids of all ages, plus sports fields and a riverfront.