The refuge provides a variety of habitats including riparian wetlands, Columbia River riparian corridor blocks, transitional woodlands from lower elevation willows, and cottonwoods to mid-elevation old-growth fir and cedar with associated native understory shrubs, open meadows, and numerous streams and seeps.

[4] Franz and Arthur lakes contain healthy stands of wapato (Sagittaria latifolia), which provide an important wintering habitat for tundra swans and other waterfowl.

The refuge also provides abundant habitat for wading birds such as great blue herons and rails, as well as songbirds that use grass/sedge meadows, cattail ponds, willow thickets, and riparian forests.

[4] Several springs and seeps on the refuge have been identified as critical brood areas for Coho salmon and other juvenile salmonids.

[4] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.