The Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge protecting a vast network of islands, rocks, reefs, and headlands along the rugged Oregon Coast.
Stretches along the Oregon coast, from Tillamook Head near Seaside to the California border, encompassing parts of six out of Oregon’s seven coastal counties.
The distance between Oregon Island National Wildlife Refuge and Gold Beach, OR is 55.5 miles along US-101 S according to Google Maps. It should take 1 hour and 8 minutes to get there. You can see the directions here.
The distance from Portland, OR to Oregon Island National Wildlife Refuge is 247 miles and should take 4 hours and 18 minutes to get there. You can see the directions here.
Established in 1935, it’s one of the six National Wildlife Refuges that form the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Primarily focused on conserving and protecting native fish, wildlife, and plant life, especially seabirds and marine mammals that use these islands and reefs for breeding, resting, and feeding.
Most of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is designated as Wilderness Area and is closed to public entry year-round to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. This protects the sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable species that call these islands home.
While most of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is off-limits to humans to protect the wildlife, there are still some great things you can do near the refuge:
Visit Coquille Point: This mainland section of the Refuge is open to the public year-round and offers spectacular views of the islands and the surrounding coastline. You can see harbor seals and a variety of seabirds from the viewing platforms, or take the stairs down to the beach for a closer look.
Go wildlife watching: While you can’t get up close to the wildlife on the islands, there are many places along the Oregon Coast where you can go whale watching, bird watching, and seal watching.
Explore the Oregon Coast: The Oregon Coast is a beautiful place to explore, with miles of scenic coastline, beaches, tide pools, and forests. There are many hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and surfing.
Visit nearby towns: There are several charming towns located near the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, such as Bandon, Coos Bay, and Charleston. These towns offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical sites.