Wildlife watching
Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 1,800 rocks, reefs, and islands stretching along the entire Oregon coast. These offshore islands provide critical nesting and resting habitat for seabirds, marine mammals, and other wildlife. To protect these sensitive habitats, the refuge's islands, rocks, and reefs are generally closed to public access year-round. Fortunately, visitors can enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing from many public locations along the coast without setting foot on refuge lands.
Why the Refuge Is Closed
Many refuge islands support thousands of nesting seabirds and provide haul-out areas for seals and sea lions. Human disturbance can cause birds to abandon nests, expose eggs and chicks to predators, or disrupt marine mammals during critical resting periods. Refuge closures help ensure these colonies remain healthy and productive.
The closure of refuge lands does not limit wildlife viewing opportunities. In fact, some of the best wildlife watching on the West Coast can be enjoyed from beaches, headlands, parks, and scenic overlooks adjacent to the refuge.
What Wildlife Can Visitors See?
Depending on the season and location, visitors may see many species of seabirds including Common Murres, Tufted Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oystercatchers, Pelagic and Brandt's Cormorants, Rhinoceros Auklets, Western Gulls, and Brown Pelicans. During spring and summer, offshore rocks can appear covered with seabirds nesting, incubating eggs, or raising young.
Oregon's nearshore waters and offshore rocks support these marine mammals: Harbor Seals, Steller Sea Lions, California Sea Lions, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and Orcas (occasionally).
A Conservation Success Story
The protected islands of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge serve as safe havens for millions of seabirds and countless marine mammals. By viewing wildlife from public coastal locations rather than attempting to access refuge islands, visitors help ensure these animals can continue nesting, feeding, resting, and raising their young with minimal disturbance.
The most rewarding wildlife viewing experience is one in which the animals remain unaware of our presence, allowing us to witness the Oregon coast's natural rhythms while helping preserve them for future generations.
