Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Gadwall among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Brandt's Cormorant

Urile penicillatus

3/5/2026Columbia Point Hayden Island1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

3/5/2026stakeout Orchard Oriole, Portland (2026)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/3/2026stakeout Summer Tanager (2025), SE Salmon St., Portland1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/2/2026Portland Community College, Portland US-OR 45.50619, -122.581061 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

3/2/2026Pete's Hut2 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/2/2026Larch Mountain--Spring Migration Viewpoint1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

143/3/2026

Canada Goose

123/3/2026

Gadwall

43/3/2026

Mallard

23/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

53/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/3/2026

Bufflehead

93/3/2026

American Coot

43/3/2026

Killdeer

23/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

73/3/2026

Northern Harrier

23/3/2026

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Northern Flicker

13/3/2026

American Kestrel

23/3/2026

California Scrub-Jay

23/3/2026

American Crow

43/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.