Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Harbor seals hauled out on Crook Point with Mack Arch in the background. Photo by David Ledig USFWS

The Catalog of Oregon Seabird Colonies provides current and historical locations and population estimates for all of Oregon's breeding seabird colonies.

The Pacific Northwest Seabirds brochure is available as a PDF (4.0 MB).

From nearly every viewpoint on the Oregon coast, colossal rocks can be seen jutting out of the Pacific Ocean creating postcard images. Each of these rocks is protected as part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge includes 1,853 rocks, reefs and islands and two headland areas and spans 320 miles of the Oregon coast. The coastal rocks and islands and the Crook Point Unit are closed to all public access and use. All of the island acreage is designated National Wilderness, with the exception of 1-acre Tillamook Rock and Lighthouse. Spectacular viewing opportunities exist at numerous locations along the coast or visit the Coquille Point Unit of the refuge where visitor facilities will enhance your experience.

Download a PDF map of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge (2.7 MB).

Refuge Planning and Management

The Oregon Coast Refuge Complex completed a planning process for the long term management of wildlife, habitat, and public use activities on Cape Meares, Oregon Islands, and Three Arch Rocks Refuges. For more information, visit our CCP site.

Wildlife and Habitats

Thirteen species of seabirds nest on this refuge, including Common Murres, Tufted Puffins, Leach's and Fork-tailed Storm-petrels, Rhinoceros Auklets, Brandt's, Pelagic and Double-crested cormorants, and Pigeon guillemots. Harbor seals, California sea lions, Steller sea lions and Northern elephant seals use refuge lands for breeding and haulout areas.

The seabirds and pinnipeds found on offshore rocks, reefs and islands are extremely susceptible to human disturbance; thus these areas are closed to public entry year-round. However, many state parks and other open spaces along the mainland offer phenomenal views of the refuge and its wildlife. Mainland sites with viewing decks overlooking seabird colonies include Ecola State Park, Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Coquille Point in Bandon, Heceta Head State Scenic Viewpoint, and Harris Beach State Park. Other locations on the Oregon Coast can be found by consulting the Oregon Coast Birding Trail guide.

Stairs leading to Bandon Beach. Photo by David Ledig/USFWS

Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge: Coquille Point Unit

Coquille Point, a mainland unit of Oregon Islands Refuge located in Bandon, is a spectacular place to observe seabirds and harbor seals as well as explore the beach. The point overlooks a series of offshore rocks of every shape and size that provide habitat for Common Murre, Tufted Puffin, Western Gull and Brandt's Cormorant as well as Harbor seal and rocky intertidal invertebrates. A paved trail winds over the headland and features interpretive panels that share stories about the area's wildlife and its rich Native American history. Stairways to the beach are located on opposite sides of the headland and allow visitors to make a loop on the beach (when tide levels permit). Please remember to keep your distance from Harbor seals and please do not touch seal pups.

Download a PDF map of the Coquille Point Unit of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge (3.8 MB).

Refuge Friends Groups

Refuge Friends Groups, also considered refuge support groups, consist of private citizens who form grassroots nonprofit organizations that provide volunteer and financial support to their local National Wildlife Refuge. Oregon Islands Refuge is fortunate to have two friends groups that work to provide intepretation and environmental educational for visitors and students in the spring and summer. To learn more about our friends groups or to become a member visit them at Shoreline Education For Awareness and Friends of Haystack Rock.

Get Directions to Coquille Point

Regulations

The wildlife using offshore rocks, reefs and islands are extremely susceptible to human disturbance, thus they are closed to public entry year-round.

Boaters are requested to maintain a distance of 500 feet from all rocks and islands.
Download our boating regulation poster (84 KB) or call to request one by mail.

Aircraft are requested to maintain 2000 feet above ground level from all rocks, reefs and islands.
Download our aircraft regulation poster (390 KB) or call to request one by mail.