In June of 2009, the 2.25 mile Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail opened to the public. Just one of three art trails in the Refuge System, this trail provides a unique experience to see interpretive art elements along the trail. After the completion of the Steigerwald Reconnection Project, the Fish and Wildlife Service renamed the trails throughout the Refuge to help visitors navigate the new trail system.

The Mountain View Trail is named for the view of Mt Hood that can be seen on a clear day. It allows you to look out east over the Refuge from the trail that sits high on top of this west levee. The trail also serves as a service road, used only occasionally for maintenance purposes.  

The main access to this trail is from the parking lot. Head up the trail just past the restrooms to the top of the levee. The trail continues straight ahead to a view point where you’ll find two stone benches and breathtaking views of the floodplain below. Beyond the viewpoint the trail will continue for about a mile, before intersecting the Refuge River Trail. 

• Uses: Pedestrian only. (No dogs, horses or bicycles) Great for wildlife observation and photography. 
• Length: 1 mile from parking lot to Refuge River Trail intersection 
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Route Type: Point to point as part of a larger trail network.  
• Surface: Compact gravel 
• Average width: 12 feet 
• Max slope: 5% 
• Benches: 2 at view point.

Things to consider:  

• Because this trail is up you are more exposed to the weather. There are no shaded areas or wind protection on this trail. 

• There are no physical markers to designate the sides of the trail

• There are no distance markers or other signage along the trail 

• The gate in the parking lot closes automatically. Remember to check the closing time and give yourself plenty of time to return to your car. Visitors locked in the parking lot will need to call the police non-emergency line at 311.  

The Refuge River Trail is the only multi-use trail allowing the unique opportunity to experience the Refuge with a bicycle, horse, or leashed dog.  

The trail can be accessed from the western entrance of the Refuge near Index Street (see William Clark Park), or by the pedestrian only Mt. View Trail. From Index Street it meets up with the Mt. View Trail after about a mile and continues east for 2.5 more. This trail parallels the Columbia River and then meanders further into the Refuge. Two large foot bridges and a viewpoint overlooking the river allows you different ways to connect and view the Refuge.   

• Uses: Bicycles, jogging, horseback riding, and leashed dogs. Great for scenic views and exercise.  
• Length: 2.5 miles 
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Route Type: Point to point as part of a larger trail network.  
• Surface: Compact gravel, Soft sand for .3 m between Gibbons Creek Art Trail connection points (see map) 
• Average width: 10 feet 
• Max slope: 5% 
• Benches: At viewpoint and first bridge

Things to consider:  

• This trail has heavy use on sunny days, especially in the summer. Visitors share this trail with horses, cyclists, and leashed dogs. 

• There are no distance markers or other signage along the trail 

Along the Gibbons Creek Art Trail you will not find signs to read, but art to discover as you explore. Look for quotes hidden among the stone benches, unique sculptures, and wildlife cut outs to lock your bike to.  We hope this art will inspire you to wonder about the nature it represents.  

The trail is accessed from theRefuge River Trail and wraps around Redtail lake over two bridges. A small out and back trail heads west off the second bridge to a short dead end looking out over a wetland. The trail connects with the Refuge River trail again at the first of the two bridges.  

• Uses: Pedestrian only. (No dogs, horses or bicycles) Great for wildlife observation and photography. 
• Length: 1 mile 
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Route Type: Point to point as part of a larger trail network.  
• Surface: Compact gravel 
• Average width: 6 feet 
• Max slope: 5% 
• Benches: At redtail lake and between the two bridges

Things to consider: 

• Dogs, horses and bicycles are not compatible with the wildlife needs on this part of the refuge. Please plan accordingly if you plan to use this part of the trail network. Bicycle racks are available 

• The .1 m out and back does not have a turn around area for wheel chairs 

• There are no distance markers or other signage along the trail

Do you have a Virtual Reality Device (Oculus, Google Cardboard, etc...)? Visit our shared google folder here with 360 degree photos from Steigerwald and Pierce NWR's. 

Visit our partners, Access Recreation, for a very thorough review about the Refuge and its accessibility or watch their video below of the old trail. FWS Staff are currently working with Access Rec to keep the Steigerwald website updated with current trail conditions so that visitors know exactly what to expect during their visit.Learn more here. 

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge from Access Recreation on Vimeo.