Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area with mixed conifer forests, meadows, lakes, and rivers in the mountains of Washington state. The landscape includes several forest types and water habitats, each supporting different plants and animals.

The refuge was established in 1939 to protect the area's diverse wildlife. It has served as an important sanctuary for species in a mountainous forest setting that is uncommon elsewhere in the region.

An auto tour with twelve stops lets visitors learn about the area's past, including how early settlers and logging shaped the landscape. The route weaves together the land and its history in a way that unfolds naturally as you drive through.

Visitors can hike, fish, camp, and watch wildlife along various routes, with certain areas set aside for specific activities. Rules change by season, so checking conditions before your visit helps you plan better.

Within the refuge are six different forest types that change with elevation, each hosting different tree and animal species. This variety exists because different conditions at different heights support different life.

Location: Pend Oreille County

Inception: 1939

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

GPS coordinates: 48.48330,-117.61700

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01