Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge_Wilderness Area

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness Area spans 5,522 acres in northwestern North Dakota and protects a remote stretch of mixed-grass prairie and wetland habitat managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The landscape is characterized by rolling grassland dotted with shallow lakes and seasonal ponds, typical of the northern Great Plains, with minimal tree cover and wide horizons.

This is genuine wilderness: no roads, motors, or mechanized travel are permitted. Hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to explore the refuge on foot. The primitive setting offers solitude and a chance to experience the native prairie ecosystem and its wildlife, including migratory birds and waterfowl. Visitors must practice Leave No Trace ethics—pack out all waste, camp lightly, and tread softly on this fragile grassland.

Access is from nearby towns in north-central North Dakota. The refuge is most accessible during late spring through early fall, when weather is mild and trails are passable. Winter conditions can be severe and isolating. Check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before your trip for current conditions, any seasonal closures, and specific entry procedures.