Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge_Wilderness Area

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness Area protects 5,522 acres of backcountry in northwestern North Dakota, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as federally designated Wilderness. The landscape consists of native prairie, wetlands, and grassland typical of the Northern Great Plains, offering a quiet setting for hiking and backpacking away from roads and motors.

Visitation here means embracing true wilderness rules: no vehicles, no motorized equipment, and no mechanized travel of any kind. All exploration is on foot. The refuge is remote and draws visitors seeking solitude and wildlife observation in a largely undeveloped setting. Leave No Trace principles apply strictly—pack out all waste, camp on durable surfaces, and minimize impact.

Access is seasonal and conditions depend on weather. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, though summer provides the longest daylight and most stable conditions for backpacking. Winter weather on the Northern Plains can be severe and travel hazardous. Before visiting, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for current access details, water availability, and any seasonal closures or restrictions.