Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is located on the shore of the Lower Columbia River, 10 miles downstream from the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. This 5,217 acre refuge contains a mosaic of riverine flood plain habitat, intensively managed seasonal and permanent wetlands, and agricultural lands.

The refuge contains the historic Cathlapotle townsite, which was visited by the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1806, and today is one of the best-preserved Native American sites in the Northwest United States. Ridgefield Refuge provides high quality wintering habitat for a variety of waterfowl, particularly dusky Canada goose and lesser sandhill cranes.

Currently hosting 165,000 visitors annually, the refuge provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities via a 4-mile auto tour route and two developed hiking trails. It also provides excellent outdoor classroom opportunities for Portland/Vancouver area schools, including natural resource, cultural, and historic information.