WICHITA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

WICHITA MOUNTAINS
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

"A life in harmony with nature, the love of truth and virtue, will purge the eyes to understanding her text." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Located in the southwest section of Oklahoma near the town of Lawton, the Wichita Mountains NWR has been called a showplace of the refuge system. It also boasts a bit of history as it is second only to Pelican Island in Florida as the oldest official Wildlife refuge, being set aside by President William McKinley in 1901. Huge granite boulders and outcroppings magically appear in the midst of rolling prairie and plains. Thick woods with hiking trails, meandering streams, and small lakes entice the visitor to explore. A thirty five-mile blacktop road spans the more than 59,000-acre site for easy access to most areas. An exceptionally beautiful and well-staffed visitor center can provide up to date information and maps.

This refuge offers numerous photo opportunities. Wildlife subjects such as elk, bison, Whitetail deer, and a huge prairie dog town are easily accessible. "Mountain boomers" or collared lizards are common as they sun themselves on lichen covered boulders. Bird photography is excellent as the central location of the Wichita's provides an overlap area for both eastern and western species as well as many migrants. Magnificent landscape compositions are plentiful here as well. Nearby Mt. Scott, rising like a monolith from the prairie, is an outstanding spot to view dazzling sunsets. As you wait for just the right conditions, watch for red tail hawks and Mississippi kites hovering in the updrafts.

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