Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Located along the Bill Williams River in La Paz and Mohave counties, the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is one of the few places where one can see Saguaro cactus, a cattail marsh, and cottonwood and willow stands together.

The 6,105-acre refuge is a unique blend of marsh, upland desert and desert riparian habitats.

With more than 340 bird species, the refuge is especially appealing for wildlife photography and nature watching.

Among the bird species that inhabit the area are yellow-billed cuckoo, Bell's vireo, western tanagers, lazuli bunting, Townsend's and Lucy's warblers, and southwestern willow and vermilion flycatchers. The endangered Yuma clapper rail nests in the delta.

Mammals making their home in the refuge include beaver, raccoon, bobcat, mountain lion, gray fox, javelina, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep and ringtailed cat.

Razorback sucker and bonytail chub are among the native fish that have been reintroduced to the river.

The area is open to hunting, fishing and hiking. There are no designated hiking trails, but some are being developed.

A short, wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail is open daily.