Looking for a unique outdoor adventure in Oregon where you can see incredible views that doesn’t feel like you're roasting in a campfire when you arrive? Well The Oregon Coast is typically much cooler in the summer season, and Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers the perfect escape! At Nestucca Bay NWR, patient visitors are in for a treat with numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. For the best experience, plan your visit between late October and early April when you can witness the spectacular sight of thousands of wintering white-cheeked geese.

Located on Oregon's northern coast, this area is bursting with natural beauty and diverse habitats. From tidal marshes to coastal prairies, and even a unique Sphagnum bog, there’s so much to discover. Whether you’re an avid hiker, birdwatcher, or just someone who loves nature, Nestucca Bay NWR is sure to captivate you.

Recently opened, the 2.2-mile Two Rivers Nature Trail is a must-visit. Open from sunrise to sunset, this trail offers several loop options that wind through alder forests, coastal prairies, and charming wildflower meadows. Rated as moderately difficult, the trail’s elevation changes and uneven terrain promise an exciting adventure. As you hike, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the confluence of the Nestucca and Little Nestucca Rivers. Bring your camera because the scenery is picture-perfect!

What makes the Two Rivers Nature Trail even more delightful is its family-friendly vibe. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the preserved forestlands. Don’t forget to pack a picnic! There’s a table with a view of the bay, perfect for a leisurely lunch. Just remember, dogs are not allowed in this wildlife refuge, so leave your furry friends at home.

Nestucca Bay NWR is home to one-tenth of the world’s dusky Canada goose population. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise with peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and a variety of migrating shorebirds making appearances. From November through April, the refuge’s short grass pastures provide winter habitats for dusky Canada geese and Aleutian cackling geese. And it’s not just about the birds! The waters of Nestucca Bay and River system are teeming with Chinook and coho salmon, coastal cutthroat trout, and steelhead.

For those who love panoramic vistas, the refuge doesn’t disappoint. Start your adventure at the Pacific View Trailhead, where you can choose between two scenic trails. The Pacific View Trail, a paved, universally accessible path, offers breathtaking views of the ocean and is dotted with interpretive signs that share insights into the flora and fauna.

The trail is being restored to provide habitat for the endangered Oregon silverspot butterfly, adding a touch of ecological significance to your visit. Once common on the Oregon Coast, the silverspot was reduced to four Oregon populations by the 1990s.

The Two Rivers Trail, starting at the north end of the parking area, meanders through a forested peninsula once used by the Society of Jesus for retreats. Now, it’s a serene hiking route dedicated in 2018. In summer, the meadows bloom with yarrow, California aster, paintbrush, lupine, and goldenrod. The trail offers glimpses of the coastal hills and winds through lush woods of red alder, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock. At the Two Rivers Viewpoint, take a moment to soak in the view of the Nestucca and Little Nestucca Rivers’ confluence, where cormorants, gulls, and terns often sunbathe on the sandbars.

Seasonal Highlights at Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge

Spring

Spring brings early-blooming plants to the refuge, brightening the landscape even during the still-rainy days. Look for small purple violets, skunk cabbage, fawn lilies, and Siberian spring beauties, supporting the threatened Oregon Silverspot Butterfly. Migrating birds and waterfowl join resident populations, some stopping briefly, while others stay to nest in the marshes, meadows, and forests.

Summer

Summer showcases blooming prairies atop Cannery Hill, attracting both visitors and pollinators. Songbirds flutter through the trees along the Two Rivers Nature Trail. Mallard, Wood Duck, and merganser parents trail ducklings in the marshes. Brown Pelicans, returning to the estuaries, delight with their dramatic dives for forage fish.

Fall

In fall, thousands of shorebirds use the estuaries as stopovers, peaking in September. Early-arriving waterfowl, like Green-winged Teal, are followed by Mallards, Pintails, and Gadwalls. Raptors, including Sharp-shinned Hawks, patrol the area for prey. The verdant pastures fill with thousands of white-cheeked geese from October to April.

Winter

Winter rains bring mushrooms, newts, salamanders, and banana slugs to the forest floor. Sea ducks, waterfowl, and shorebirds are abundant, with species like Scoters, Loons, and Grebes. From Cannery Hill, watch for migrating Gray Whales in December and January.

Featured Species

Nestucca Bay NWR is a year-round haven for wildlife, including native and migratory songbirds, mammals, and waterfowl. For those wanting to see thousands of wintering white-cheeked geese, including the unique populations of Dusky Canada Geese and Semidi Islands Aleutian Cackling Geese, visit between late October and early April. The refuge also supports an experimental population of the threatened Oregon Silverspot Butterfly, thriving on the coastal prairie habitat.

Looking for a spot to relax? The picnic area on the trail is perfect. Once a retreat location, it now offers a peaceful place to enjoy your meal with Shasta daisies and a view over Nestucca Bay. For the more adventurous, a trail descends to the tidal shore of the bay, offering a closer look at the unique ecosystem.

Remember to be mindful of the refuge’s rules and park only in designated areas. If parking at the Pacific View Trailhead is full, the Nestucca Bay Refuge Trailhead is an option, adding a short, pleasant walk to your journey.

Nestucca Bay NWR isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. With its rich biodiversity, scenic trails, and serene picnic spots, it’s a place where you can truly connect with nature. So pack your hiking boots, grab your binoculars, and head to Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge for a day of unforgettable adventures. We’d love to hear about your trip, so leave a comment and share your experiences and favorite spots. Happy hiking!

Directions to Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge

If you plan to visit the beautiful Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge, located at 7000 Christiansen Rd, Cloverdale, OR 97112, we've got you covered with detailed driving directions. Whether you're coming from Portland or Bend, these step-by-step instructions will help you find your way to this serene and picturesque destination.

From Portland, Oregon:

1. Start on I-405 S: Head southwest on SW 4th Ave toward SW Jefferson St. Take the ramp on the left onto I-405 S.
2. Merge onto US-26 W: Continue on I-405 S for about 2 miles, then use the left lane to take exit 1D for US-26 W toward Beaverton.
3. Take OR-6 W: Follow US-26 W for about 20 miles, then take exit 62A to merge onto OR-6 W toward Tillamook.
4. Continue on OR-6 W: Drive for about 48 miles on OR-6 W until you reach Tillamook.
5. Take US-101 S: In Tillamook, take the ramp onto US-101 S and continue for about 20 miles.
6. Turn right onto Sandlake Rd: After passing Pacific City, turn right onto Sandlake Rd.
7. Turn left onto Christiansen Rd: Drive on Sandlake Rd for about 4 miles, then turn left onto Christiansen Rd.
8. Arrive at Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge: Continue for about 1 mile on Christiansen Rd; the refuge will be on your right.

From Bend, Oregon:

1. Start on US-97 N: Head north on US-97 N from downtown Bend.
2. Take OR-22 W: Drive for about 22 miles on US-97 N, then take exit 135A to merge onto OR-22 W toward Salem.
3. Merge onto OR-18 W: Continue on OR-22 W for about 73 miles, then merge onto OR-18 W via exit 33B toward Willamina/Lincoln City.
4. Take OR-22 W: Drive for about 25 miles on OR-18 W, then take exit 33B to merge onto OR-22 W toward Willamina/Lincoln City.
5. Continue on OR-18 W: Follow OR-18 W for about 47 miles, then take exit 27 for OR-22 W toward Hebo.
6. Take US-101 N: Merge onto OR-22 W and continue for about 5 miles, then turn right onto US-101 N.
7. Turn left onto Sandlake Rd: Drive on US-101 N for about 10 miles, then turn left onto Sandlake Rd.
8. Turn left onto Christiansen Rd: After about 4 miles, turn left onto Christiansen Rd.
9. Arrive at Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge: Continue for about 1 mile on Christiansen Rd; the refuge will be on your right.

Enjoy your visit to the Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge!