Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve in Churchill County, Nevada, where the Carson River ends in extensive wetlands. The refuge features observation platforms, hiking trails, and camping areas along East Division Road and Center Road, with restrooms positioned at main locations.

The refuge was created by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect and restore critical wetland habitats where the Carson River terminates. This effort was needed to safeguard the ecosystem from degradation caused by human activity and water management changes.

The refuge hosts an annual bird festival that draws nature lovers to watch and identify over 290 bird species throughout the year. This seasonal celebration reflects the site's importance as a gathering place for people interested in observing natural wildlife patterns.

Access to the refuge is easiest from East Division Road and Center Road, where most visitor facilities are located. It helps to arrive early in the day to take advantage of prime bird-watching hours and enjoy the observation platforms before crowds gather.

During migration seasons, up to 250,000 waterfowl and hundreds of thousands of shorebirds gather here in a concentrated feeding and resting event. This convergence of traveling birds happens simultaneously with massive movements across other wetlands in the region.

Location: Churchill County

Operator: US Fish and Wildlife Service

GPS coordinates: 39.59400,-118.43460

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:45