Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge

"Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 500 acres of river bottomland and upland riparian habitat with numerous springs, seeps and creeks, grasslands, hardwood and upland forests. Franz Lake is one of the few remaining natural wetlands in the Columbia River Gorge. The refuge provides critical wintering habitat for tundra swans and other waterfowl and year-round habitat for a variety of wildlife species."

-- Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The refuge, one of five units in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex, lies along the banks of the Columbia River about 15 miles east of Washougal, Washington and across the river from Multnomah Falls. It is closed to the public, but visitors can view the refuge from a scenic overlook near milepost 31 on Highway 14.