13. Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
m > ( ç DIFFICULTY 1
HABITAT: Encompassing over 40,000 acres
ranging from lowland marshes to subalpine
forest, the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is the only mountainous mixedconifer refuge in the lower 48 states.
WILDLIFE: Migrating waterfowl, bald eagle,
great blue heron, otter, muskrat, beaver,
white-tailed deer, spruce grouse, snowshoe
hare, osprey, warblers, red-necked grebes,
barn swallows, Canada geese, Canada lynx.
McDowell Marsh. © Tricia Woods
VIEWING OPPORTUNITY: Mill Butte Trail is
a 3-mile loop through ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest. A short
spur midway along the trail ascends Mill Butte, rewarding hikers with
a 360-degree vista. McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail,
a 1.2-mile self-guided interpretive trail, encompasses several distinct
habitats typical of the Refuge, from marsh to dry forest. The trail
features an observation blind and elevated boardwalk, and the first
half of the trail is universally accessible. Other hiking trails are being
developed; ask at Refuge headquarters for information.
ACCESS TO MILL BUTTE TRAIL: From Colville, follow Third Avenue
(Hwy 20) east for 6 miles. Just after passing White Mud Lake, turn
right onto Artman-Gibson Road. Travel 1.7 miles to a four-way intersection. Turn left onto Kitt-Narcisse Road and follow it 2.2 miles
to a road fork. Take the right fork onto Bear Creek Road and follow
it 3.3 miles to the information kiosk at Refuge headquarters.
ACCESS TO MCDOWELL MARSH TRAIL: Follow directions above to the
Mill Butte Trail but after turning right at the fork onto Bear Creek
Road, follow it for only 2.8 miles, then turn left at fork onto Narcisse
Cr. Road. Go 1.2 miles, and bear right at second fork following signs
for McDowell Lake. Proceed 1.8 miles to the trailhead.
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Northeast Washington
3/11/13 3:05 PM
