Yes, you have to stay on the loop road, but you'd be amazed how close you can get to wildlife. I've had Blue Herons on the road right in front of me, eagles right next to the road, etc.
But you really need to plan some time to come down. The swans leave in the early spring but right now there are hundreds of them.
It's well worth the trip; and in the town of Ridgefield (very tiny) you can get a great meal at the cafe. The hardware store is also a fun place.
SQUIRL033 wrote:
one of these days i've gotta make it down there. i've heard so many people saying what a great place it is for wildlife viewing. maybe this spring i'll take a day trip and see what all the hubbub is about. it does look, though, like you can't get terribly close to things... i've heard you pretty much have to stay on the loop roads?