Bachelor Island, Wildlife refuge island in Columbia River, Washington, US.
Bachelor Island is a river island in the Columbia River spanning from mile 88 to 91.5, separated from the mainland by Bachelor Island Slough and Lake River. The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge now manages most of the island to maintain its natural habitat for resident and migratory bird species.
The island took its name from three unmarried men who established land claims there in 1849. Since then it has been surveyed and mapped, eventually becoming a protected wildlife refuge managed for conservation purposes.
The Quathlahpotle settlement near the island consisted of 900 inhabitants living in 14 wooden houses during the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Access is best gained from the Ridgefield Refuge visitor areas, where marked trails allow you to observe wildlife from designated vantage points. Plan your visit during migration seasons when bird activity is most visible and varied.
A large indigenous settlement called Quathlahpotle once thrived near the island with hundreds of people and wooden houses, creating a vibrant community. Today the same location serves as a quiet refuge where only wildlife makes its home.
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