Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area in northern Louisiana containing diverse habitats like hardwood forests, swamps, and open water bodies. The Ouachita River flows through these landscapes creating a complex network of waterways and flooded zones.

The refuge was established in 1978 to protect migratory birds and wetland ecosystems. This creation played an important role in preserving these river environments during a period of growing environmental pressures.

Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts gather here especially during migration seasons when thousands of birds move through the river valleys. Spotting ducks, herons, and eagles has become a primary reason visitors come to this refuge.

Access to the area is available through several entry points including Finch Bayou Recreation Area and River Road from Louisiana Highway 143. Visitors should know that large sections flood seasonally, especially in spring months.

The river divides the refuge into two sections creating an 18-mile water corridor that through the combination of river flooding and seasonal rains submerges up to 87 percent of the land. These extreme water conditions enable the development of specialized habitats that few other places can match.

Location: Louisiana

Inception: 1978

Website: https://fws.gov/upperouachita

GPS coordinates: 32.86670,-92.08330

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23