Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


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

Long Island Campgrounds Are Open

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The campgrounds on Long Island are now open on a first come, first served basis. There is a limit of five people per campsite, and dogs are not allowed. Please note that campgrounds are primitive with no potable water. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring, but there are no trash receptacles, so please pack out your own trash. There is a vault toilet at each of the five campgrounds*. You are advised to bring your own soap, water, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, as well as a mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth. Visitors should continue to practice social distancing when recreating outdoors. *There are a total of 20 campsites distributed at five campgrounds. UPDATE: A permit for camping on Long Island is required beginning September 3 (at 4 PM) through September 23 (during the early elk archery season). Self-issue camping permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis on the backside of the Cutthroat parking lot orientation panel. Camping permits are required for both hunters and non-hunters.

Connect to Nature

Natural Resource Center

New HQ

Phase 1 of the Natural Resource Center is complete! We have replaced the old refuge headquarters with a new multipurpose building located at the east end of 67th Place on the Riekkola Unit. The new building is more efficient as well as more accessible to our community and visitors to the Long Beach Peninsula. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with public safety measures the building is not currently open to the public but we look forward to welcoming you in the future. Phase 2 of the project, including the visitor center with environmental education/event room, exhibits, nature store, and parking area, has not been funded.

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
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