Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge - Oklahoma City, OK - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

With just a horse, a saddle, a gold watch, and $35 Lee Stinchcomb rode all day during the Land Run of 1889 until he reached the North Canadian River in this area. He forded the river on his horse and staked his claim to this land as his homestead. In later years he married Sarah Exline and they raised nine children.

The family donated this land to the city in 1980, when it was known as the Lake Overholser Sedimentation Basin. Water from Lake Overholser (to the south) backfills into the basin, and then moves through the Lake Hefner Canal to Lake Hefner, which is a primary water source for the city. In 1983 the city elected to make the area a wildlife refuge and named it for the Stinchcombs.

The Refuge is a serene haven perfect for bird watching, hiking, dog walking, horseback riding, biking and fishing. The Refuge is surrounded by a hardwood forest of oak and sycamore trees, many swamps and marshes, and brush perfect for concealing wildlife. The North Canadian River meanders through the Refuge, creating both shoreline and marshes. Wildlife is abundant in the Refuge. Go deep enough into the woods and stay quiet and you might even encounter the famous Stinchcomb Sasquatch!

No permit or fee is required to access the Refuge other than for hunting and fishing, for which there are both state and local licensing requirements. The Refuge is open to hunting a few times a year to control populations, particularly of deer. Access is from this waymark location (a parking lot on the southeast side of the Refuge) and from County Line Road on the west side (with limited road-side parking).

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 1000 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: The main "road" through the Refuge is for hunter's vehicles (vehicle access is by permit only) and is a dirt road. Dog walkers, joggers, and bikers are often found there. There is no formal trail system, but walking trails crisscross the entire Refuge. What points of interest are there?: Many overlooks onto the North Canadian River; shoreline and marshes; abundant wildlife. What activities are available?: Hiking, biking, dogs, and horseback riding are allowed. No motorized vehicles without a permit. Hours of accessibility?: 24/7 List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Poisonous plants and snakes; marshes; possibly a Sasquatch. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

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