Boating - motorized

Boating around Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge provides excellent opportunities to experience Oregon’s spectacular coastal scenery and observe seabirds and marine mammals in their natural environment. While the waters surrounding the refuge islands are not part of the refuge, boating activity frequently occurs near these sensitive wildlife areas. 

To help protect nesting seabirds and resting marine mammals from disturbance, boaters are strongly encouraged to maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet from refuge islands, rocks, and wildlife concentrations. Approaching too closely can cause birds to abandon nests temporarily, expose eggs and chicks to predators and weather, and disrupt important feeding and resting behaviors. By respecting the recommended 500-foot buffer, boaters can enjoy responsible wildlife viewing while helping conserve the habitats and species that make Oregon Islands NWR such a unique and valuable coastal refuge.