Long Island

Long Island is the Pacific Coast's largest estuarine island.The island is 5,640 acres and includes a rare 274-acre remnant of old growth lowland coastal forest. Many of the red cedar trees in this grove are over 900 years old! The rain-drenched forests on the island grow rapidly and densely with salal, huckleberry, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce. Hundreds of species of mushrooms and other fungus are also found. NOTE: The harvesting of mushrooms is prohibited.

The rich forests provide homes to mammals such as black bear, Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, beaver, and river otter. Standing dead trees provide important nesting cavities for species such as pileated woodpeckers and flying squirrels while fallen trees are home to the rare Van Dyke's and Dunn's salamanders. The shaggy bark of the oldest trees provides homes for silver-haired bats and Pacific tree frogs.

The nutrient-rich marine environment surrounding Long Island supports oysters, clams, crabs, salmon, steelhead, and numerous other marine organisms.

Recreation:
Visitors can observe or photograph wildlife while canoeing, kayaking, or hiking. Long Island can only be accessed by boat. Most of the campgrounds require a 6 foot or higher tide, however the landing directly across from Refuge Headquarters can be accessed at any tide.

A network of old logging roads converted to trails provide well over 10 miles of hiking opportunities. One of the most popular destinations is the Trail of the Ancient Cedars, a ¾ mile loop trail near the center of the island, which takes visitors through the northern corner of the old growth forest. If you land your boat at the old ferry landing on the southern tip of Long Island and follow the center road north, the trail to the Grove of the Ancient Cedars is approximately 2.5 miles in.

Day use on Long Island is encouraged to minimize impacts on wildlife and their habitat; however camping is permitted on Long Island. There are five primitive campgrounds on Long Island with a total of 24 campsites. Camping is permitted in designated spaces only. For detailed information on camping, contact Refuge Headquarters or view the information on our camping page.

Archery hunting is permitted on Long Island for elk, deer, black bear, and grouse following all state rules and regulations. Hunting generally opens September 1 and continues through December, however specific dates vary from year to year. No firearms are permitted on Long Island at any time.

REMINDER: No dogs are permitted on the refuge, including trails and parking lots. For the protection of wildlife and the enjoyment of other visitors, please leave your pets at home. Certified aid dogs are welcome.



CAUTION:
Tidal fluctuations, currents, extensive mud flats, and rapidly changing weather can make getting to and from the island difficult and occasionally dangerous. Carry a tide table and check weather forecasts. Walking on Willapa Bay mud flats requires special equipment…the fine silty mud can act much like quicksand.

Willapa NWR Complex Home
3888 SR 101, Ilwaco, WA 98624
360-484-3482

USFWS Links
USFWS Home Page | Pacific Region Home
Contact Us | Disclaimer / Copyrights | Section 508 Accessibility