Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge includes riverside wetlands, mature cottonwoods, permanent basins, springs, and two lakes within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established this protected area in 1990 to preserve the largest remaining wapato and rush marsh on the lower Columbia River.

The wapato, a starchy bulbous root reintroduced in the 1980s, brought tundra swans back to the lakes during their seasonal migrations.

Visitors can observe wildlife from a designated viewing platform located west of Skamania, Washington, accessible via Highway 14, thirty-one miles east of Vancouver.

Multiple springs along the north shore of the lake create summer habitats for coho salmon, while the lakes protect young salmonids from strong river currents.

Location: Washington

Inception: 1990

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/franz_lake

GPS coordinates: 45.60510,-122.07800

Latest update: March 13, 2025 20:16