Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The majority of Oregon's estimated 1.2 million seabirds including 13 different species annually breed on this refuge. Breeding species include: common murres, Brandt's, double-crested, and pelagic cormorants, Leach's and Fork-tailed storm-petrels, Cassin's and Rhinoceros auklets, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, black oystercatchers and western and glaucous winged gulls. Refuge sites are also used by peregrine falcons and brown pelicans (endangered species), bald eagles, and Aleutian Canada geese (threatened species).

The rocks, reefs, and islands are also important breeding, pupping, molting, and haulout sites for thousands of seals and sea lions. The Rogue and Orford Reef Units of this refuge constitutes the largest pupping area for threatened Steller sea lions in U.S. waters south of Alaska, with 700-800 pups produced annually.

All rocks, reefs, and islands along the Oregon coast are included in this refuge if they are separated from the mainland and above the surface of the sea at mean high tide.

Attractions -

The only portion of this refuge that is open to the public is Coquille Point, located just west of Bandon. This picturesque headland provides a fantastic vantage point for observing seabirds and marine mammals. Please see the visitor opportunities section of this narrative for further information on Coquille Point. Please use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to enjoy these special creatures from a safe distance.

Recreation - Recreational opportunities in Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge include; environmental education, photography and wildlife observation.

Climate - The climate in Oregon varies greatly by region. The coastal region and the regions west of the Cascade Range are generally temperate and wet. Temperatures in the western portion of the state rarely rise above 85 degrees F during the warmest months and rarely dip below freezing during the winter.

Location - Coquille Point, a mainland unit of Oregon Islands Refuge, is located just west of downtown Bandon. This area provides a fully accessible and panel-interpreted quarter-mile trail with fabulous coastal views. To get to Coquille Point turn west off of Highway 101 onto 11th Street and drive to the ocean.