In 2023, BirdFest & Bluegrass will be entirely in person! The City of Ridgefield will be hosting in-person in-town events, including vendors and music in Downtown Ridgefield, plus we will have a self-guided Carty Unit Refuge hike, wandering trail stewards to answer questions, Sandhill Crane Tours, and more!
The Refuge will be fee-free, and seasonal trails will be open for an extra weekend!
Sandhill Crane Tours – 6am & 5pm This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear and see the magnificent flight of hundreds of Sandhill Cranes as they visit their night roost. Join expert staff to learn about cranes and wildlife. There will only be one day of yours this year, but they are free! Participants will be asked to drive their personal vehicles a short distance to the roosting area, from the River ‘S’ Unit Contact Station. From there the group will be required to walk approximately 500 yards over rough, uneven terrain to get to a viewing blind. Please assess your own abilities for this event. Bring your own water. Space is extremely limited, RSVP early.
Downtown Ridgefield Spend time Downtown and on the Refuge during the annual Friends of the Refuge festival! BirdFest & Bluegrass is a joint event planned in a partnership between the City of Ridgefield and the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge that includes birding activities at the Refuge, vendors, kids crafts, Bluegrass performances, and a Pickers Festival.
On the Refuge Carty Unit Activities – 28908 N Main AVE – Carty Unit, 10am-3pm Opening Blessing by Chinook Indian Nation @ 10 am Partner Booth Party Self-Guided Wander Walk Family Activities & Crafts Pro Photo Supply Photo Contest Display …& hourly walks and talks, stay tuned!
Auto Tour Open – 1071 S Hillhurst RD – River ‘S’ Unit, All Day The River S Unit Auto Tour of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge will be open during regular visiting hours!
10:00am-3:00pm – Spotting Scopes with Vancouver Audubon
Sandhill Crane Tours – 6am & 5pm This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear and see the magnificent flight of hundreds of Sandhill Cranes as they visit their night roost. Join expert staff to learn about cranes and wildlife. There will only be one day of yours this year, but they are free! Participants will be asked to drive their personal vehicles a short distance to the roosting area, from the River ‘S’ Unit Contact Station. From there the group will be required to walk approximately 500 yards over rough, uneven terrain to get to a viewing blind. Please assess your own abilities for this event. Bring your own water. Space is extremely limited, RSVP early.
