Shutdown Notice
Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, this website will not be updated until further notice. Where public access to refuge lands does not require the presence of a federal employee or contractor, activities on refuge lands will be allowed to continue on the same terms as before the appropriations lapse. Any entry onto Refuge System property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor's sole risk. Please read this important updated message about the closure of National Wildlife Refuge System facilities during the shutdown, and refer to alerts posted on individual refuge websites for the status of visitor facilities and previously scheduled events that may still occur during the shutdown.

For more information, please visit the Department of Interior webpage at https://www.doi.gov/shutdown

Features

  • Northern pintail winter at Willapa NWR

    Homeward Bound

    Willapa is for the birds! Check the skies and shorelines for migrating birds - including shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and songbirds.

    Uncover refuge wildlife watching hotspots

  • Get up close and personal with a rough-skinned newt this spring at the refuge/Photo Courtesy of Dr. Madeline Kalbach

    Amphibians Abound

    Numerous amphibians make their home in the refuge and it is a great time to view them. Look for newts and frogs on damp days.

    Learn more about Refuge amphibians...

  • Herons in gather to eat the bounty of Willapa Bay/Photo Courtesy of Curt Stephens

    In the Mix

    Ocean tides combine life-giving nourishment with nutrient-laden fresh waters, creating one of the most productive environments on earth.

    Learn more about the estuary

What's Happening at the Refuge

Natural Resource Center

NRC Rendering

EXCITING NEWS! Phase 1 of the Natural Resource Center has begun! We will be replacing the existing refuge headquarters, which is structurally failing and lacks reliable utilities, with a new multipurpose building located at the east end of 67th Place on the Riekkola Unit. The new building will be more efficient as well as more accessible to our community and visitors to the Long Beach Peninsula serving as a focal point for recreation activities including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, hiking, kayaking and more. The design build solicitation for the new building and utilities is currently out for bid. Once the contract is awarded, the design will be finalized, and site work is expected to begin next spring/summer! Phase 2 of the project, the visitor center including with environmental education/event room, exhibits, nature store, and parking area, has not been funded.

Click here for more design views

Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Natural Resource Center

Finding of No Significant Impact for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan Amendment and Environmental Assessment

For more information, PDF 5.8 mb
Connect to Nature

The Art of Discovery

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Explore the story of a Refuge stream, told through structures and sculptures rather than words. Can't make it to the refuge - take a virtual tour!

Take the virtual tour

About the Complex

Willapa Complex

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Willapa Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online