Overview
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge sits on roughly 16,000 acres of the Channeled Scablands in eastern Washington, about 6 miles south of Cheney. It was established in 1937 primarily to protect and restore wetland habitat that had been heavily drained for agriculture. Today it is one of the most accessible and rewarding wildlife-watching destinations in the Inland Northwest.
The refuge landscape is a mosaic of seasonal and permanent lakes, cattail marshes, shrub-steppe, and ponderosa pine forest — all shaped by the catastrophic Ice Age floods that carved the scablands thousands of years ago. This variety of habitats supports an unusually broad range of species across all four seasons.
Over 200 bird species have been documented here, along with white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, muskrat, beaver, coyote, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and a significant portion is designated as a Closed Area to minimize disturbance to nesting birds — a policy that has made the open zones noticeably productive for wildlife observation.
Before You Go
Turnbull NWR is a day-use area — there is no camping permitted within the refuge. Visitors should bring water, sun protection, and layered clothing, as eastern Washington weather can shift quickly and exposed trails offer little shade in summer.
A small auto-tour route (the Pine Lakes Auto Tour) is open to vehicles and is accessible year-round when road conditions allow. A Federal Duck Stamp, available at many sporting goods retailers and online, serves as the entrance pass for most adults; verify current fee and pass requirements on the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service page for Turnbull before your visit, as these details can change.
The refuge has limited cell service in parts of the property, so download maps in advance. Dogs are permitted in limited areas and must remain on leash at all times; verify which trails allow pets on the official site. Hunting is permitted in designated zones during specific seasons — check the refuge's annual hunt plan if your visit coincides with hunting season.
What to bring
- Binoculars and a field guide to Pacific Northwest birds
- Camera with a medium-to-long telephoto lens for wildlife
- Sturdy, waterproof footwear for muddy trails in spring
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes can be heavy near wetlands in late spring and early summer)
Getting There
The refuge is located approximately 6 miles south of Cheney, Washington, and roughly 25 miles southwest of Spokane. By car, take I-90 to Exit 270 at Cheney, then head south on Cheney-Plaza Road. The refuge entrance is well signed.
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the nearest major airport, serving domestic routes and a selection of connecting international flights. From the airport, a rental car is the most practical option — no regular public transit reaches the refuge directly.
Cheney is served by Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus routes connecting it to Spokane, but no transit line continues to the refuge itself. Cyclists occasionally use the rural roads approaching the refuge, though traffic and road shoulder conditions should be assessed before attempting this.
Getting Around
Inside the refuge, movement is primarily by vehicle along the Pine Lakes Auto Tour route (approximately 5.5 miles) or on foot along several designated trails. The auto tour is gravel-surfaced and generally accessible to standard passenger vehicles; verify road conditions locally after periods of heavy rain or winter weather.
Walking trails range from short, flat loops around individual lakes to longer routes through pine forest. Trail surfaces vary — some are compacted gravel suitable for casual footwear, while others are natural surface and can be muddy or uneven. A trail map is available at the refuge entrance kiosk and on the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.
Bicycles are permitted on the auto-tour route but not on foot trails. No motorized boats are allowed; non-motorized watercraft may be permitted on certain lakes during specific seasons — confirm this detail on the refuge's official site before bringing a kayak or canoe.
Things to See & Do
Wildlife Watching and Birding
The refuge's central draw is wildlife observation. Spring migration brings large concentrations of ducks, geese, and shorebirds to the wetlands. Nesting season (April–July) supports species including Canada geese, American bitterns, sandhill cranes, and a variety of diving ducks. Raptors — including northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, and occasional bald eagles — hunt the open shrub-steppe year-round.
Photography
Turnbull is consistently rated one of the top wildlife photography locations in Washington State. Early morning light on the lakes, reflections of ponderosa pines, and high densities of approachable waterfowl make it particularly rewarding. The auto-tour route allows photographers to use their vehicle as a mobile blind, reducing disturbance to birds.
Walking and Nature Study
Several short walking trails connect to the auto-tour route, offering closer access to cattail marshes and pine groves. Interpretive panels along certain sections explain the geology of the Channeled Scablands and the ecology of the wetland restoration effort.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (April–May): Peak waterfowl diversity, marsh wrens singing, wildflowers in shrub-steppe
- Summer (June–August): Breeding activity, fawns visible, dragonflies abundant near wetlands
- Autumn (October–November): Large flocks of migrating ducks and Canada geese staging on lakes
- Winter (December–March): Quieter but productive for raptors and rough-legged hawks; some lakes freeze
Food & Drink
There are no food or beverage facilities inside Turnbull NWR. Visitors should bring their own food and water. Picnic tables are available at designated rest areas within the refuge.
Cheney, about 6 miles north, has a modest selection of cafes, fast-food outlets, and a grocery store suitable for stocking up before a visit. The town is home to Eastern Washington University, which means there are some additional casual dining options aimed at students and faculty.
Spokane, roughly 25 miles northeast, offers a much wider range of restaurants and markets for those combining the refuge with a broader Spokane itinerary.
Practical Information
Hours and Access
The auto-tour route and trails have designated open hours that vary by season. Hours are posted at the refuge entrance and on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website. The refuge is closed on federal holidays; verify this before planning your visit.
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell service is partial and unreliable in parts of the refuge. Download offline maps (e.g., AllTrails, Gaia GPS, or the refuge's PDF map) before arrival.
Facilities
A vault toilet is available at the main parking/kiosk area. There are no flush restrooms, showers, or potable water taps inside the refuge. Carry all the water you will need.
Accessibility
The main parking area and portions of the auto-tour route are accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Some trail sections are not paved and may be difficult for wheelchairs. Contact the refuge office to ask about current accessible route conditions before visiting.
Emergency Contacts
For emergencies, dial 911. The nearest hospital is in Spokane. Cell coverage gaps mean it is advisable to carry a fully charged phone and let someone know your plans before entering the refuge.
Safety
Turnbull NWR is a low-risk environment for most visitors, but a few practical points are worth noting. Portions of the refuge are open to hunting during permitted seasons; wear blaze orange if walking trails during those periods and confirm active hunt zones on the refuge website.
Western rattlesnakes are present in the shrub-steppe and rocky areas, particularly in warmer months. Stay on established trails, watch where you place hands and feet near rocks and brush, and give any snake you encounter a wide berth.
Mosquito populations near wetlands can be intense from May through July. Long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin are effective precautions.
Eastern Washington summers can be very hot. Carry more water than you think you need, particularly on full-day visits, and be aware of signs of heat exhaustion on exposed trails.
