The 8,200 acre Washita National Wildlife Refuge is positioned on the northern portion of Foss Reservoir. Holding one of the largest waterfowl concentrations in Oklahoma, this refuge is a winter home to over 75,000 migratory geese, ducks and sandhill cranes. Diverse refuge habitats attract over 250 species of birds and other wildlife including coyotes, white-tailed deer, raccoons and wild turkeys.
Two endangered species also live in the area: the American bald eagle and the interior least tern. Fishing is allowed and hunting is available on the refuge during specified times. A 1/3 mile handicap accessible nature trail loop is also on site, as well as a 1/2 mile out and back unpaved trail at Riverside Recreation Area. Camping and other recreation facilities are available at Foss State Park, just to the south of the refuge.