California Wildlife Refuges

Recreation Activities

So what can the public do at the San Luis NWR Complex? Many opportunities exist for wildlife observation, and if manager Zahm has his way, more will come.

Waterfowl and other wildlife can be seen from the 10-mile, self-guided Waterfowl Tour Route at San Luis NWR. The best time for viewing is between October and March. Predominant ducks are mallards, gadwalls, shovelers, and green-winged teals. But the refuge boasts a bird list of 223 species including 37 tropicals

The 3/4-mile Winton Marsh Trail provides an observation platform overlooking the marsh. The 1-mile Chester Marsh Trail leads to the San Joaquin River and offers a good way to explore the marsh and woodland habitat of the refuge.

The Tule Elk Tour Route encircles the 760-acre fenced enclosure where a small herd of this mammal is maintained. The recently completed tour route, including interpretive signs and an observation tower equipped with a scope, are the products of a challenge grant from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other contributions by local contractors.

The 5-mile tour route at Merced NWR is where concentrations of wintering snow geese and a variety of shore birds are best seen. Interpretive signs and an observation deck are recent new additions at Merced.

Visitors need to keep in mind that fog at Merced often makes the mid-day period best for birding. Although bicycles and horses are allowed on the San Luis tour route, observers are reminded to stay in their cars at smaller Merced to minimize wildlife disturbances.

Seasonal waterfowl hunting is allowed by permit on designated days in selected areas at Merced NWR and at San Luis NWR, where pheasant hunting is also permitted.

Fishing by rod and reel is permitted in Salt Slough at San Luis NWR, where an area reserved for persons with disabilities is also located.

In the planning stage are bird-watching trail additions to the Chester Marsh Trail network along the San Joaquin River. And proposed for opening in late 1998 are new trails, another auto tour route, and an additional waterfowl hunting area on 2,000 acres of a recently restored wetland area. A new foot trail and observation tower are part of a wetland rehabilitation planned for completion at Sousa Marsh in early 1998.

Refuge Established Acres Auto Tour Trails Hunting

Merced 19514, 146 Yes No Yes

San Luis 196628, 554 Yes Yes Yes

San Joaquin River 19872, 300 No No No

For more information:
San Luis NWR Complex, P.O. Box 2176, Los Banos, CA 93635, 209-826-3508.