Description - Conboy Lake NWR is in the northwest corner of Klickitat County, Washington. Established primarily for waterfowl, the broad range of habitat diversity provides for a broad diversity of resident wildlife species.

Attractions - The Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge occupies approximately 5,800 acres of wetlands, lakebed, and surrounding uplands of the originally proposed 10,000 acres. Seasonal runoff floods several thousand acres in late winter and waterfowl concentrations peak during spring migration. During the winter months, the refuge is used by tundra swans, Canada geese, ducks, and bald eagles. The refuge is also one of three known nesting areas for sandhill cranes in Washington. Not only is there a stunning array of wildlife, but there is exceptional scenery with backdrop of snow-covered 12,276-foot Mount Adams.

Recreation - Deer and waterfowl hunting is allowed during hunting months. There is a public hunting area only open during hunting season. Limited fishing is also allowed. There is a three mile loop at refuge headquarters called Willard Springs Trail. This is the only publicly accessible part of the refuge with the exception of hunting season.

Climate - The climate of Washington varies within each region. The Cascades split the state and alter the weather patterns. The mountains receive large amounts of wet, heavy snow from October through May. These peaks remain snow covered throughout the year. The terrain east of the mountains receives approximately 12 inches of rainfall per year, generally much less than west of the mountains. Since the area east of the mountains is landlocked, temperatures in this region are lower during the winter months. Frequent winds coming down from the mountains also contribute to the low temperatures of eastern Washington.

Due to the coastal geography, western Washington is primarily temperate. The proximity to the ocean stabilizes the climate, making extreme temperatures very rare. The area receives large amounts of precipitation from Pacific rain and snow storms.

Location - The refuge headquarters is located approximately 10 miles east of Trout Lake and 7 miles southwest of Glenwood on the Glenwood-Trout Lake Road, at the end of Wildlife Refuge Road. Write to the Conboy Lake NWR office for a map.

LAT: 45.9581777
LONG: -121.3178548