Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge

We have driven by The Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge possibly thousands of times and did not know it was tucked back into the landscape. We toured the Visitor’s Center and enjoyed views of the wetlands to the east. Then , we drove up the steep gravel road to the upper park and soaked in the overcast views of the Pacific Ocean. There are many hiking trails to enjoy, so we are bookmarking this site for a future sunny day visit … and possibly bringing a picnic too.

Explore more at www.traveloregon.com … Nestucca Bay Refuge was established in 1991 with the acquisition of short grass pastures to provide wintering habitat for dusky and Aleutian Canada geese. The Nestucca Bay area supports approximately 10 percent of the world population of dusky Canada geese, and 100 percent of a very unique subpopulation of Aleutian Canada geese. It is also an important rest stop for migrating shorebirds and other waterfowl and is used by peregrine falcons and the bald eagle–listed as threatened. The Nestucca Bay and River system supports large runs of native fish species including cutthroat trout, steelhead, and Chinook and Coho salmon. In addition to managed pastures, other refuge habitats include wooded uplands, riparian wetlands, salt marsh, and open meadows. These habitats provide safe haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, mammals, and amphibians.The Neskowin Marsh Unit of this refuge is the southernmost coastal sphagnum bog habitat on the Pacific Coast. It is a rare and outstanding ecosystem with exceptional biological value. In addition to bird and mammal species, the sphagnum bog is home to many unusual and beautiful plant species such as the carnivorous Sundew and a native bog cranberry.

Come visit and explore the trails of Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The patient observer will be rewarded with many wildlife viewing opportunities on the refuge. The Cannery Hill Unit is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are two parking lots on the Cannery Hill Unit. The Pacific View Parking Area has minimal parking so we encourage you to leave your car at the first parking lot and walk the graveled Christensen Road/Trail which is a moderately difficult, 15 minute one way trip that leads you to the Pacific View Trail. Be mindful that you will be sharing the roadway with cars. On the Pacific View Trail you will experience an easy, 10 minute walk on a paved surface with rest benches. The trail ends at an observation deck where you will be treated to a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, Haystack Rock, Nestucca Bay, the Coast Range, and the Little Nestucca River.