Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the winter

The refuge offers guided canoe/kayak tours in June, July and August.

A salt marsh restoration project on Millport Slough is benefitting fish and wildlife populations.

During the summer watch for for bald eagles and osprey foraging over the estuary and harbor seals hauled out near the mouth of the bay.

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge consists of some of the most scenic estuarine habitat along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. On either side of Highway 101, starched skeleton trees jut forth from the estuary and are reminiscent of a time when the salt marsh was diked to provide pasture for dairy cows. Red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, and other raptors can often be seen roosting at the top of these snags and a variety of estuarine dependant birds including great blue heron, great egret and many species of waterfowl can be seen foraging in the tidally influenced waters.

Wildlife and Habitats

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect salt marsh, brackish marsh, tidal sloughs, mudflats, and coniferous and deciduous forestland. The refuge provides nursery grounds for coho and chinook salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. The primary ecological goal for the refuge is to allow the salt marsh to return to its natural tidally influenced state.

An 100-acre tidal marsh restoration project was completed on Millport Slough through a partnership between the USFWS, Ducks Unlimited and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians. The restoration involved breaching 220 feet of dike, removing two dikes totaling 9,300 feet and filling 1,200 feet of artificial ditches. Large woody debris was placed in the marsh to improve habitat for anadromous fish..

Visitor Opportunities

Siletz Bay Refuge is closed to public use, except during special events.

During June, July, and August 2009, refuge volunteers will lead a series of guided canoe and kayak trips through the refuge.
For more information, please contact McKenzie Reeves at 541-867-4550.

Directions

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located just south of Lincoln City along US Highway 101.

Download a PDF map of Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge (2.9 MB).

Events

Explore Siletz Bay Refuge by Canoe or Kayak

Back by popular demand! The US Fish and Wildlife Service invites you to explore Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) during a series of twelve guided canoe and kayak trips during June, July, and August 2009. On these outings visitors will spend about one and a half hours paddling through the heart of Siletz Bay NWR as they learn about the natural history of some of the plants, wading birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife that inhabit the estuary. Siletz Bay NWR includes some of the most scenic estuarine habitat along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. On either side of the Highway 101, starched skeleton trees jut forth from the estuary and are reminiscent of a time when the salt marsh was diked. Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, and occasionally Bald Eagle can be seen roosting at the top of these snags. A variety of estuarine dependant birds including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and many species of waterfowl can be seen foraging in the tidally influenced waters. The refuge also provides nursery grounds for Coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. Siletz Bay NWR was established to protect salt marsh, brackish marsh, tidal sloughs, mudflats, coniferous and deciduous forestland, and the wildlife that depends on these unique habitats. Do not miss your chance to come out for an interpretive tour of Siletz Bay NWR!

Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak for each trip. For your safety and the safety of others we ask that you dress appropriately for paddling in all weather conditions. Water and snacks are encouraged.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can provide binoculars and field guides to use during the trip if needed. Space and parking is limited, therefore, you must call ahead to make a reservation. The tours will take place at the following dates and times:

Tuesday, June 30 7:30 – 9:30 am
Saturday, July 11 4:00 – 6:00 pm TRIP FULL
Sunday, July 12 4:30 – 6:30 pm TRIP FULL
Monday, July 13 5:00 – 7:00 pm TRIP FULL
Tuesday, July 14 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Monday, July 27 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, July 28 5:45 – 7:45 pm
Wednesday, July 29 7:15 – 9:15 am
Thursday, July 30 8:45 – 10:45 am
Tuesday, August 11 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Wed., August 12 4:45 – 6:45 pm
Thursday, August 13 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Participants will meet at the Siletz Moorage (82 Siletz Hwy, Lincoln City, OR 97367) at the time listed for the date. From Lincoln City go south on Highway 101, just before crossing the Siletz River bridge, turn left (east) onto the Siletz hwy and follow until reaching the Siletz Moorage on the right (south). From Newport go north on Highway 101, cross the Siletz River bridge and make the first right (east) onto the Siletz hwy and follow until reaching the Siletz Moorage on the right (south).

For further information or to make a reservation please see the Oregon Coast NWR Complex website: www.fws.gov/oregoncoast or contact McKenzie Reeves directly by phone at 541-270-5606 or via email at mckenzie_reeves@fws.gov.