Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Washington, within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, preserves a compact but diverse landscape around Franz and Arthur lakes. Its riparian wetlands, river-edge forests, meadows, willow and cottonwood stands, and old-growth fir and cedar provide important habitat for many species. The refuge is especially significant for waterfowl because healthy wapato beds supply winter food for tundra swans and other birds; as many as 1,000 wintering swans have been seen on Franz Lake. Herons, rails, songbirds, turtles, frogs, toads, snakes, and hawks also use the area, while springs and seeps serve as critical brood habitat for coho salmon and other juvenile salmonids.