Grant s Getaways: Kayaking in the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge The Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1972. It consists of more than 20 islands stretching more than 27 miles of river. Author: Grant McOmie Updated: 8:00 PM PDT June 13, 2021 CLATSOP COUNTY, Ore. There’s a remarkable chain of islands in the Columbia River that has been protected as a wildlife refuge for nearly 50 years. Grant takes us through the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge and discovers that adventure is only a paddle stroke away. Could there be a better escape from a simmering, sweltering summer than time on a river?