Mountain View, Refuge River, and Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail
Mountain View, Refuge River, and Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail
4.9
(3585)
16,633
hikers
Mountain View, Refuge River, and Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail
01:40
6.55km
20m
Hiking
The Mountain View, Refuge River, and Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into nature, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll wander through diverse landscapes, from open fields and riparian woodlands to the edges of shallow ponds and marshes, with Redtail Lake as a scenic highlight. The trail is unique for its integrated sculptures and quotes, subtly placed to enhance your connection with the natural world, making it a truly special experience for wildlife spotting and gentle exploration.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with convenient parking and restrooms available at the trailhead. Keep in mind that a section of the Gibbons Creek loop has seasonal closures from October 1st to April 30th to protect wintering waterfowl. While the Refuge River Trail is multi-use, accommodating bikes and leashed dogs, the Mountain View Trail and parts of the Wildlife Art Trail are reserved for pedestrians, ensuring a peaceful walking experience.
This 4.1-mile (6.5 km) hiking route, rated easy with only 66 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, making it ideal for families and those seeking an accessible adventure. Located within the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the trail is part of a significant restoration project that reconnected the floodplain to the Columbia River, creating a vital habitat for over 200 species of birds and other wildlife. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for beginner hiking trails with high natural and artistic payoff.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
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1.64 km
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
6.55 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.53 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
6.51 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Monday 13 July
29°C
9°C
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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trail suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, the Mountain View, Refuge River, and Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail is generally considered easy and mild. It features minimal elevation gain and is largely ADA accessible and stroller-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of hikers, including families.
What is the trail surface like?
The trails primarily feature a compacted gravel surface, making them easy to navigate. However, be aware of a notable 0.3-mile section of soft sand between the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail connection points. You will also cross two large footbridges.
What makes the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail unique?
Instead of traditional interpretive signs, the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail integrates art into the natural surroundings. You'll discover unique sculptures, wildlife cutouts, and quotes hidden among stone benches, designed to inspire wonder about nature.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The refuge is a birder's paradise, home to over 200 species of waterfowl and songbirds. You might also spot deer, turtles, egrets, and great blue herons. The area is an important nesting and wintering ground for raptors and waterfowl.
Is the Mountain View, Refuge River, and Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail dog-friendly?
The Refuge River Trail is multi-use and allows dogs on leash. However, the Mountain View Trail and Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail are typically hiker-only or pedestrian-only, meaning dogs are generally not permitted on these specific sections to ensure a tranquil experience for walkers and protect wildlife.
When is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The trail offers diverse scenery year-round. However, a section of the trail, particularly the loop section of Gibbons Creek, closes seasonally from October 1st to April 30th to protect wintering waterfowl. For clear views of Mount Hood, visit on a clear day.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the refuge?
The provided information does not indicate any specific permits or entrance fees required for accessing the trails within the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. For the most current information, it's always best to check the official fws.gov website.
Where can I park to access the trail?
The trail is located within the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Specific parking details are not provided, but access points are typically available at refuge entrances. It's advisable to check the refuge's official website for detailed parking information before your visit.
Does this route connect with other trails?
Yes, this route also passes through sections of the Lewis & Clark Regional Trail, the Lewis & Clark Discovery Greenway Trail, and the Mountain View Trail.
Is this a loop trail?
The Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Loop is described as an "easiest route," indicating that sections of this trail system form loops. The overall route combines various trails, offering options for different loop configurations.
What are the scenic highlights along the route?
On clear days, the Mountain View Trail offers views of Mount Hood. You can also enjoy views of the Columbia River, Larch Mountain, and Redtail Lake. The trail meanders through diverse landscapes including mixed wetlands, pastures, and riparian strips lined with cottonwood and white oak trees.
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