Little River National Wildlife Refuge

Little River National Wildlife Refuge protects a large expanse of bottomland hardwood forest, wetlands and river habitat in southeastern Oklahoma. The refuge lies in one of the state's wettest and most heavily forested regions, creating an environment that looks very different from the open prairie commonly associated with Oklahoma. The area supports an impressive variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, deer, turkey, alligators in the broader region, migratory birds and numerous wetland species. Seasonal flooding is part of the natural system, helping maintain sloughs, oxbows and forest communities that depend on periodic high water. This is primarily a wildlife and habitat destination rather than a developed recreation park. Roads and access points may be limited, and conditions can change substantially with rain and river levels. Birders, photographers and visitors interested in quiet natural landscapes will get the most from it. The refuge also pairs well with Broken Bow, Red Slough and other southeastern Oklahoma nature destinations, showing just how biologically diverse the state's far southeast corner can be.