Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge

This National Wildlife Refuge supports an abundance of wildlife all year round. Among the most notable is Washington’s only population of breeding sandhill cranes. Numerous other bird species frequent this area including elk, porcupine, and several other mammals. 

It’s a lucky thing that hikers can enjoy this area as visitors in a sanctuary for wildlife. The serene landscape here makes for a delightful visit. A two-mile trail loops through the refuge with views of Mt. Adams and plenty of opportunities to spot any number of birds and elk in the fields. Tack on another 3/4 of a mile to the opposite end of the loop to visit Willard Spring. 

This area is an important ancestral land for Native Americans. For visitors who are curious about history there is plenty to learn here from archaeological findings to accounts of the first settlers to arrive. Another feature of this refuge is the Whitcomb-Cole log cabin, which is still standing and open to visitors. It is an example of the types of houses pioneers lived in upon first arriving to the West.