Washington: Discover Nature and Culture

Washington Parish combines nature experiences with places where you can explore the region’s history. An important natural area is the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1980 and spanning Washington Parish and St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana, as well as Pearl River County in Mississippi. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering the refuge’s distinctive features and the range of cultural and recreational activities.

Natural Features and Seasonal Flooding

The refuge covers 36,500 acres of the Pearl River Basin. This includes 860 acres of upland habitat with loblolly and slash pine forests. Water also shapes the landscape: More than 90 percent of the area may flood during the winter and early spring high-water periods. If you travel during these seasons, keep this seasonal feature in mind when planning.

The area provides habitat for the threatened Ringed Sawback Turtle and Gulf Sturgeon. These species are a special focus for wildlife viewing and nature photography; birdwatching is also among the activities available at the refuge.

Water Access, Trails, and Activities

Most areas of the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge are accessible only by boat. Several free boat ramps provide access from Louisiana and Mississippi. At Pearl River Turnaround on the Louisiana side, there is an accessible fishing area and a picnic pavilion. Fishing, paddling, birdwatching, and nature photography are possible in the refuge.

For a walk, consider the Holmes Bayou Trail on the Louisiana side: The round trip is 1.4 miles. The Jim Schmidt Interpretive Boardwalk passes through a typical floodplain cypress forest, highlighting a different natural environment. Primitive camping is also possible, but only in designated areas: It is permitted within 100 feet of both banks of the Bogue Chitto River, Wilson Slough, and the West Pearl River south of Wilson Slough, as well as on refuge lands along the East Pearl River and Holmes Bayou.

River Activities and History in Franklinton

Louisiana River Adventures offers tubing, kayaking, and canoeing on the scenic Bogue Chitto River. The company was formerly known as Wayne’s World. Before setting out, it’s a good idea to check its current operating procedures. The provider lists “Enon, Franklinton LA” as the GPS destination; from the traffic light intersection in Enon, follow the signs. Check these directions again before your trip, too.

The Washington Parish Fair parade travels through Franklinton and ends at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds. Parade details may change from year to year, so check the dates before your trip. The fairgrounds are also home to the historic Mile Branch Settlement, a collection of pioneer log cabins originally built in different locations throughout the parish and later moved here.

Bogalusa: City History and Nature

In Bogalusa, visitors can tour the Bogalusa Paper Mill Museum. It presents the city’s history and its development from a small lumber town into an industrial center. Near Bogalusa, Bogue Chitto State Park covers more than 1,800 acres. Its landscape includes swamps, hardwood forests, and rolling hills; the park has scenic trails, horseback riding trails, and campgrounds along the Bogue Chitto River.

For drives, the Washington Parish tourism organization recommends the scenic byways of Highways 10 and 21. This lets you include a drive along these recommended routes in your trip planning, alongside the specific natural and cultural destinations.

Discover more destinations: Bogalusa, Franklinton, Jefferson, Vermilion, Acadia, Avoyelles Parish, Livingston, Winn.

For the broader travel overview: Louisiana.