Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Discover diverse wildlife, from moose to swans, across 18,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and rolling hills. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers & active wildlife
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Best Time
Wildflowers & active wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife, from moose to swans, across 18,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and rolling hills. Free entry!
"A beautiful, peaceful park with abundant wildlife and easy trails – worth the drive!"
🚗 Scenic Drive First
Start with the 5.5-mile auto tour to get acquainted with the refuge's diverse habitats. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Easy Trails for All
Most trails are easy walks, perfect for families and casual hikers. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 588 reviews
Type
Wildlife Refuge
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wetland Wonders
Various wetland areas
Witness diverse waterfowl, including nesting swans and trumpeter swans, in expansive seasonal wetlands.
Moose Encounters
Throughout the refuge
Keep an eye out for majestic moose, often spotted near roadsides or in open areas.
Wildflower Displays
Meadows and open fields
Experience vibrant wildflower blooms in spring and early summer, transforming the landscape into a colorful spectacle.
Scenic Auto Tour
Designated 5.5-mile loop
Enjoy a picturesque drive with numerous pull-offs to observe diverse habitats and wildlife from your vehicle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Wildlife Sightings
Navigating the Refuge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Drive First
Start with the 5.5-mile auto tour to get acquainted with the refuge's diverse habitats. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Easy Trails for All
Most trails are easy walks, perfect for families and casual hikers. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Check Hours Carefully
Hours can vary; confirm on the official website to avoid confusion. :clock1:
🦫 Look for Small Critters
Don't forget to watch for chipmunks and smaller birds along the trails. :chipmunk:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Drive First
Start with the 5.5-mile auto tour to get acquainted with the refuge's diverse habitats. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Easy Trails for All
Most trails are easy walks, perfect for families and casual hikers. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Check Hours Carefully
Hours can vary; confirm on the official website to avoid confusion. :clock1:
🦫 Look for Small Critters
Don't forget to watch for chipmunks and smaller birds along the trails. :chipmunk:
🦢 Swans are a Must-See
Nesting swans and cygnets are a highlight, especially in spring. 🐦
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge for its peaceful atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The easy trails and scenic auto tour make it accessible for all, with many highlighting the joy of spotting moose and nesting swans. Some minor inconsistencies in listed hours were noted, but overall, it's considered a highly worthwhile destination.
"Beautiful area. Beautiful park. So many trails and it's absolutely peaceful and perfect on a weekday. This park is worth the drive to check out. There's roads south of the entrance that looks like on maps that it's a much bigger area with intersecting roads, you could get pretty lost and it's perfect for that if you're trying to accomplish disappearing lmao."
Devin Eleven
"Such a cool place with lots to do for all levels of activity. A great place to see wildflowers in the spring and early summer, along with tons of birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife. They have a 5.5 mile auto tour, along with tons of trails and pulloffs to sightsee. The Friends of Turnbull nature store always has super cool resources and souvenirs."
Loui Wolfe
"Cool pretty quiet place to visit especially when it's still somewhat cold out. Lots of birds around.
Only complaint is hours listed between the website, Google, and the signs don't match."
Daniel Barrett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is approximately a 30-minute drive southwest of downtown Spokane, Washington. Renting a car is recommended for easy access.
Public transportation options are limited. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach and explore the refuge.
From Spokane, take US-2 W to WA-902 W towards Cheney. Continue on WA-902 W, and follow signs for Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
Yes, there is free parking available at various points throughout the refuge, including near the visitor center and along the auto tour route.
While the refuge is large, the main auto tour route and marked trails are easy to follow. Some unmapped intersecting roads south of the entrance could lead to disorientation if not careful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is generally free to enter, making it an accessible destination for all visitors.
The refuge is typically open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's advisable to check the official website or signage upon arrival, as hours can sometimes vary.
No special passes or permits are generally required for day-use visitors to explore Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
The visitor center and nature store may have seasonal hours. It's best to check their schedule in advance if you plan to visit them specifically.
The refuge is typically open from sunrise to sunset, so overnight stays or visits after dark are generally not permitted.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, elk, various bird species like trumpeter swans, waterfowl, and smaller mammals like chipmunks. +2
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, many of which are easy walks suitable for all ages.
Some areas, like the auto tour route and certain trails, are relatively flat and may be accessible, but it's best to inquire locally about specific trail conditions.
The auto tour is a scenic loop that offers a great overview of the refuge's diverse habitats and provides numerous pull-offs for wildlife viewing and short walks.
While specific programs vary, the refuge offers opportunities for learning about nature. Junior Ranger programs might be available, as seen with a visiting cat.
📸 📸 Photography Opportunities
The wetlands are excellent for bird photography, while open fields and roadsides offer chances to photograph moose and other large mammals. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours,' and are also prime times for wildlife activity.
Witnessing moose duels, as captured by a photographer, or observing nesting swans and their cygnets can be incredible photographic opportunities.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a safe distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the wetlands and rolling hills.
Yes, porcupines have been spotted and filmed at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, offering unique photography subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit