Wichita Mountains

National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Just northwest of Lawton, Oklahoma.

The easiest way to get to the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is to take the signed exit just north of Lawton, Oklahoma off of I-44 (Medicine Park/Highway 49), which will take you west to the refuge. The refuge is primarily open prairie amidst the Wichita Mountains.

Bison, Elk, Long Horn Cattle, Prairie Dog, White-Tailed Deer, and Turkey are the wildlife most likely to be encountered. Fishing is allowed, according to state and federal regulations, where largemouth bass, sunfish crappie, and catfish can be found in the several rfuge lakes found there. General camping and backcountry camping is available. The refuge has 15 miles of hiking trails.

Especially photogenic, other than the wildlife, is the old Indian mission at Holy City, the numerous lakes in the refuge, and views from 2,464 foot Mt. Scott.

This is a real gem in western Oklahoma for photography. It's somewhere I'm eager to return, and that should be quite photogenic during all seasons.


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