Located on the Columbia River, 10 miles east of Vancouver, Washington, the 996-acre Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge consists of historic riverine flood plain habitat, semi-permanent wetlands, cottonwood-dominated riparian corridors, pastures, and remnant stands of Oregon white oak. The refuge lies partly within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and has been designated as the location for a "Gateway to the Gorge" visitor center. This facility is currently in the planning stage with a portion of the construction funds already secured. The Washington Department of Transportation has estimated that this facility may be used by as many as 100,000 visitors annually, providing the Service with one of the best outreach opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. The refuge also serves as the operational headquarter for the 329-acre Pierce Refuge.

Steigerwald Lake refuge office is located at Pierce Refuge. The Columbia River Dike Trail can be accessed from Steamboat Landing State Park, at the intersection of State Highway 14 and 15th Street in Washougal, Washington.