Tijuana Slough is a 1,079-acre coastal wetland where the Tijuana River flows into the Pacific Ocean. The refuge was created in 1980 and is part of the 2,800-acre Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. This reserve is one of only 30 protected estuarine areas in the United States.
Now Available for Review

Record of Decision for the Tijuana Estuary Tidal Restoration Program II Phase I Final Environmental Impact Statement.

Visit Us

Early morning fog rises as the sun begins to shine through.
Image Details
Old wood pilings on the left used to hold a sewage pipe. Sewage was pumped to former holding ponds that are now the habitats east of North McCoy trail.

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge covers 1,072 acres where the Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean, an area known as the Tijuana Estuary. Visitors can explore scenic trails and enjoy sweeping views of the estuary while watching a variety of birds soar overhead.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Tijuana Slough is a 1,072-acre wetland where the Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean. The refuge was established in 1980 and is part of the 2,800-acre Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. This reserve is one of only 30 protected estuarine areas in the United States.

      What We Do

      The main purpose of Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is to protect and conserve fish, wildlife, and plants that are listed as endangered or threatened species. The refuge was originally established to help save the light-footed Ridgway’s rail, an endangered bird that depends on this habitat for survival.

      Our Species

      Bird populations play a major role in the special protection given to the Tijuana Estuary. More than 370 bird species have been recorded in the area. Five federally listed threatened or endangered birds are regularly found here: the light-footed Ridgway’s rail, California least tern, least Bell’s vireo, California gnatcatcher, and western snowy plover.

      Projects and Research

      40 Years of Restoration

      This report shares key lessons learned from decades of restoration work at the Tijuana Estuary. The goal is to guide and improve future management efforts to protect and restore this vital coastal habitat.