Explore Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Located 20 miles southwest of Spokane in rural Cheney, the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/refuge/turnbull) makes a nice side trip from the Lilac City, or even a refreshing break from an I-90 road trip. Not only is it an excellent birding venue, but the wildflower blooms are second-to-none. And with a number of accessible trails and boardwalks, it’s also a great choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. So pack a picnic lunch and get ready to explore this scenic slice of Eastern Washington.
Take a Hike
Finding Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is easy — just take exit 270 off of I-90, and follow the signs. There’s a small information kiosk at the entrance with refuge maps and information, but the official visitor center is several miles down the road. And the good news is, entrance is free for all America the Beautiful Access Pass Holders.
The first required stop — the Pine Lakes Loop Trail — is just up the road. Accessible parking is available in the lot on the left, and although there are accessible restrooms there, they are currently out of order. The 1.25-mile Pine Lakes Loop Trail begins across the street. Even if you don’t feel like a hike, take the short walk over to the accessible spotting scope at the beginning of the trail, as you’ll get a good view of the wetlands area and all the avian inhabitants. And if you just want to sit a spell and take it all in, there’s also a bench at the viewpoint.
The paved trail continues through a pine forest, before it opens up to a wetlands area. As you walk past the tall reeds you’ll hear birds call out, and see them dart back and forth. The red-winged blackbirds are particularly gregarious. The undulating trail winds past Winslow Pool, then loops around Pine Lake. At one point you’re surrounded by water, with Ice Pond on your right and Pine Lake on your left. It’s a pleasant stroll with several places to take a break along the way. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars as the birding is spectacular.
Drive She Said
The visitor center, which is located just up the road, has the usual services, including clean accessible restrooms. It’s also the starting point for the 5.5-mile Pine Creek Auto Tour Route. This one-way loop winds through the heart of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and offers several accessible stops along the way.
After the drive leaves the visitor center it passes Blackhorse Lake and 30 Acre Lake before it reaches Kepple Lake. There’s a small dirt parking area on the right just before the route makes a sharp left. A crushed rock trail leads from the parking area to a viewpoint on Kepple Lake. Although it’s only a quarter-mile to the viewpoint, the trail loses its access at about the halfway point. That said, it’s still worth a stop as you’ll get a nice lake view from the first part of the trail. The yellow-headed blackbirds are also quite active in this area.
Just up the road, the Kepple Peninsula Trail is worth a stop. This half-mile out-and-back paved trail ends at an accessible photo blind that overlooks the lake. It’s a nice spot to take a break and let the birds come to you.
The auto tour route continues around to the other side of Blackhorse Lake, where you’ll find an accessible boardwalk. Accessible parking and accessible vault toilets are located near the trailhead. The boardwalk is just .1-mile long, but it leads out to a viewing platform that overlooks the wetlands.
Finally, the auto tour route loops around to the entrance road. Just make a right and you’ll be back on I-90 in no time. It’s a pleasant drive, with peak birding in the early mornings. The wildflowers are also particularly scenic in the early summer.
Enjoy a Picnic Lunch
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch; however there’s no information about picnic sites on any of the refuge maps. To that end, many people end up picnicking at the busy visitor center, or even in their cars. Don’t let that be you, as there are two beautiful — and somewhat secluded — picnic areas along the auto tour route.
The Blackhorse Lake Picnic Area is located on the right side of the road near the beginning of the auto tour route. It’s easy to miss as you can’t really see much of the picnic area, but you can see parking and an accessible vault toilet. From the accessible parking spot, there’s level access over to the picnic shelter that’s surrounded by the forest. Although the picnic table is not accessible, it has benches that are not attached and can easily be moved. And it’s nice and private.
This Kepple Peninsula Picnic Area is located about .2-miles down the Kepple Lake Peninsula Trail, on the left side. Accessible vault toilets are located near the trailhead, and this covered picnic shelter sits well off the main trail. Like the Blackhorse Picnic Area, this shelter has a standard picnic table, but the benches aren’t attached, so it will work for wheelchair-users. And it’s kind of fun to hear the turkeys gobble in the distance while you eat.
Either of these two gems are a great spot for a pleasant — and somewhat secluded — noon time repast. So pack along a picnic lunch, and enjoy.
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