14

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

Yaquina River



Yachats

Waldport

Mapleton

Toledo

 Alsea River

 Alsea

Bay

O r e g o n C o a s t R a n g e

 Siuslaw River

Woahink Lake

 Siltcoos Lake

Tahkenitch Lake

 Cape Perpetua

Newport

Florence

Depoe Bay Siletz River

Cape Foulweather

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

To Corvallis

Lincoln City

Siletz Bay

To Salem

Seal Rock

Heceta Head

Lighthouse

To Eugene

To Corvallis

101

229

34

36

126

101

20

18

101

126

43

44

45

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

67

66

75 76

78 79

88

89

90

91

92

94

95

97 96

98

52

43. Knight Park

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, drive 

N, cross the Salmon River Bridge and 

turn W (L) on Three Rocks Rd, drive 

2.4 mi, turn L into Knight Park.

Knight Park provides a trailhead to 

explore the Cascade Head Preserve. 

Mid-tide is the best time to visit for 

water birds in this 2-acre park. Fall 

to spring birds are cormorants, Great 

Blue Heron, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Redbreasted Merganser, Sanderling, 

Wilson’s Snipe, Belted Kingfisher, 

and Western, Glaucous-winged, 

Ring-billed, and California Gull. Turkey Vulture and Caspian Tern occur 

in summer.

CEFGH

Sponsor: Lincoln County

44. Salmon River Estuary

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, drive 

N 0.4 mi past the Hwy 18 overpass, 

cross the Salmon River Bridge, and 

use pullouts to view marsh.

Popular with anglers, this expansive 

site attracts many water birds and is 

worth a quick stop. Raptors include 

Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, and 

White-tailed Kite. Winter and spring 

bring Common Merganser, Bufflehead, and Belted Kingfisher. Other 

marsh birds are Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, 

American Bittern, and Red-winged 

Blackbird.

EFGKH

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Visitors 

Association

45. Road’s End State 

Recreation Site

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, turn N 

on Logan Rd, and drive 1 mi to parking lot.

A surprisingly quiet retreat from 

busy Lincoln City, this wayside offers tidepools, a pebble beach, offshore islands, and a hidden cove. At 

low tide, walk the short path to the 

beach to see Western, Heermann’s, 

Bonaparte’s, Mew, California, and 

Herring Gull. During migration Whimbrel, Sanderling, Western and Least 

Sandpiper, and Semipalmated Plover 

can be seen feeding.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Confederated Tribes of 

Siletz Indians

CENTRAL COAST

Tidal estuaries, long sandy beaches, and active sand dunes accented by a few 

rocky outcroppings and coastal islands comprise the heart of the Coast. Inland the Siuslaw National Forest’s 630,000 acres, in the Coast Range, have four 

major rivers flowing through on their way to the Pacific Ocean. Explore Lincoln 

City’s seven miles of beach and two large estuaries, scope the roiling waters of 

Boiler Bay for pelagic birds, or ascend Cape Foulweather for expansive ocean 

views. At Newport’s Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, feel the frenzy of 

one of the largest Common Murre nesting colonies on the coast. Drive the scenic 

Yaquina Bay Road in winter to see all six species of grebes occurring in Oregon in 

one location. Continue south to Seal Rock for Pigeon Guillemot and Harlequin 

Duck floating on the waves and Western Gull lining the coastal islands, and to 

the south jetty of the Siuslaw River in Florence to glimpse flocks of Semipalmated Plover and Least and Western Sandpiper on migration. 

Caspian Tern

PHOTO BY: Richard Cronberg

93

North Fork Rd

Upper N Fk Rd

Big Creek Rd

Sweet Creek Rd

48

46

47 49

50

51

65

68-74 64

80-84

85-87

77 Beaver Creek Rd
15

46. Spring Lake Open Space

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, turn E 

on NE 14th St, then after blinking light, 

turn N on NE Port Ave to parking lot. 

Several trails meander through this 

25-acre young forest with small lake 

and creek. Deer are regular visitors 

along with Northern Flicker, Bewick’s 

and Winter Wren, Black-headed 

Grosbeak, Purple Finch, Fox Sparrow, Western Tanager, Swainson’s 

Thrush, Wilson’s, Orange-crowned, 

and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Wood 

Duck nest boxes circle the lake and 

are used annually.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Audubon Society of 

Lincoln City

47. Devil’s Lake State Park

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, turn E 

on NE 6th St, drive to gravel parking 

lot and wetland trailhead.

Just minutes from downtown this 

park allows visitors to watch wildlife from a hiking trail or better yet 

from a canoe or kayak. As you glide 

by, watch for American Coot, Common Loon, Bufflehead, Canvasback, 

Green-winged Teal, Pelagic Cormorant, Western Grebe and Bald Eagle. 

The trees attract migrating Cedar 

Waxwing and Swainson’s Thrush often in large flocks. 

ABCEFG

Sponsor: Chinook Winds Casino 

Resort

48. D River State 

Recreation Site

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, turn 

E on SE 1st St just S of the D River 

bridge, and park. 

Devil’s Lake is 680 acres and connects to the Pacific via the D River, 

“the World’s Shortest.” Most noted 

for large concentrations of gulls at 

the mouth of the river, get ready for a 

challenge to identify Western, Glaucous-winged, Thayer’s, California, 

Ring-billed, and Bonaparte’s Gull plus 

a variety of hybrids. To access this 

site you will have to cross Hwy 101. 

The open space around the D River 

is protected; though no trails exist, 

you can meander through forested 

wetlands, open marsh and scrub/

shrub to view Spotted Sandpiper, 

Cedar Waxwing, Vaux’s Swift, Whitecrowned Sparrow, Orange-crowned 

Warbler, Belted Kingfisher, Common 

Yellowthroat, and Purple Finch.

ECFG

Sponsor: Confederated Tribes of 

Siletz Indians

49. East Devil’s Lake State 

Park/Rock Creek Marsh

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, turn 

E onto East Devil’s Lake Rd (Tanger 

Outlets), drive 0.6 mi to pullout next 

to marsh, scan for birds, then continue 1.5 mi and enter Park.

Rock Creek Marsh is a mix of dense 

willow and reed. Year-round look for 

Virginia Rail, Sora, Killdeer, Wilson’s 

Snipe, Marsh Wren, and Song Sparrow, or listen for Barn Owl at dusk. 

In winter, hike through mixed coniferous forest beside a freshwater lake 

and look for Pied-billed Grebe, Ringnecked Duck, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck 

and Green-winged Teal. In summer 

Bald Eagle, Osprey, Cooper’s and 

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Wood Duck, 

Green Heron, and Vaux’s Swift are 

regular. Occasional in migration are 

Pectoral Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, and Red Phalarope.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Visitors 

Association

50. Taft Waterfront Park

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, drive S 

and turn W (R) at light onto SW 51st 

St, drive 0.3 mi to end, and park. 

A small urban park providing views of 

Siletz Bay, Salishan Spit, and a sandy beach. In summer when schools 

of baitfish enter the bay, thousands 

of Heermann’s and California Gull 

join Caspian Tern and Western and 

Ring-billed Gull. In winter, Herring, 

Thayer’s, Glaucous-winged, and 

Mew Gulls are regulars as are loons, 

grebes, scoters, Common Goldeneye, 

E Devils Lake Rd

46

47

48

49

Devils Lake 

State Park

Devils Lake 

State Park

Devils Lake

NE 14th St

LINCOLN CITY

BIRDING TIP

Tufted Puffins Parasitic Jaeger Snowy Plover PHOTO BY: Lois Miller PHOTO BY: Wayne Hoffman

BY: KevinSmithnaturephotos.com

50

51

SW 52nd St

Siletz Bay Salishan Spit

LINCOLN 

CITY

Red-breasted Merganser, and at low 

tide, Black Turnstone and Sanderling. 

Rare winter visitors include Clark’s 

Grebe, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and 

Long-billed Curlew. Harbor seal actively feed in the bay and haulout at 

the tip of Salishan spit.

CEFGH

Sponsor: Inn at Spanish Head

51. Josephine Young Park 

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, drive S 

to SW 62nd St, turn W (R). Drive 0.4 

mi, turn W (R) on SW 65th St, drive 

0.1 mi to end, and park in lot.

Walk to the sandy beach and then 

left around the point to the mouth of 

Drift Creek for Great Blue Heron all 

year and Great Egret in fall. From 

fall to spring scan south Siletz Bay at 

mid-tide to see Common and Pacific 

Loon, Western Grebe, Gadwall, Canvasback, Greater and Lesser Scaup, 

62nd St

65th St

Sea watches on the 

Pacific Coast are best 

conducted in the 

morning with the sun 

at your back.

15
16

Common Goldeneye, Surf Scoter, 

Red-breasted Merganser, Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Western and Least 

Sandpiper. Spring and fall migration 

bring Semipalmated Plover, Whimbrel, yellowlegs, Black Turnstone, 

dowitchers and occasionally Marbled 

tumbling down a sheer cliff. Be on 

the lookout for Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hairy Woodpecker, Winter Wren, 

Wilson’s and Orange-crowned Warbler, Varied and Swainson’s Thrush, 

and Steller’s Jay.

ACD

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

53. Kernville/Siletz River

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, drive 

S, turn E (L) on Hwy 229 (just before 

Siletz River Bridge), and drive 0.6 mi 

to park at pullout on S side of hwy 

next to river.

Cannery Slough is the marsh to the 

north where Blue-winged Teal are 

seen in spring. Fall migration can 

bring Spotted and Pectoral Sandpiper and yellowlegs. Purple Martin nest 

in boxes on the pilings April-August. 

Pelagic and Double-crested Cormorant perch on pilings. Winter-spring 

look for Common Loon, Horned and 

Western Grebe, Common Merganser, 

Bufflehead, and Belted Kingfisher. 

Occasional species include Redthroated Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, 

and Gadwall.

KEFG

Sponsor: Confederated Tribes of 

Siletz Indians

54. Siletz Bay National 

Wildlife Refuge

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, drive 

S to MP 121, turn E (L) on Immonen 

Rd, then 0.6 mi to Millport Slough 

Rd. Turn L, and go 0.8 mi to bridge, 

turnaround.

Use pullouts along the road to view 

this Important Bird Area and Wildlife Refuge for a variety of ducks, 

Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron, 

Cliff Swallow, Northern Harrier, Bald 

Eagle, Osprey, and Red-tailed Hawk. 

Listen for Savannah Sparrow, Marsh 

Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Swainson’s 

Thrush, Brown Creeper, Pacific-slope 

and Olive-sided Flycatcher.. 

EFGHK

55. Salishan Nature Trails

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, go S 

to MP 122.3 (Salishan Marketplace), 

turn R, and park. Walk to trailhead 

to NW that starts behind shops. To 

continue birding walk under the Hwy 

101 underpass, to trailhead near the 

golf tee-off. 

The levee trail leads to beach access; along the way are expansive 

views of Siletz Bay, Salishan Spit, 

and a sandy beach. Visit at mid-tide 

from fall to spring for the most water 

birds, though Great Blue Heron, Great 

Egret, Western Gull, and Caspian Tern 

are regular in summer. Marsh Wren 

frequent the marsh grasses. Waterfowl include Red-breasted Merganser, American and Eurasian Wigeon, 

Northern Pintail, and Bufflehead. In 

migration, scan shores at high tide 

for yellowlegs, Whimbrel, Long-billed 

Curlew, Long-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, Western and Least Sandpiper, and 

Sanderling. The east trail leads you 

through mixed coniferous forest, past 

a small creek, and around a pond 

where Pileated Woodpecker, Whitecrowned Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, 

Western Tanager, Winter Wren, and 

Wilson’s warbler are common.

ACEFGH

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Magazine

Brant

PHOTO BY: Wayne Hoffman

Godwit, Wandering Tattler, and Red 

Knot. In summer Common Merganser and Caspian Tern are frequent 

with occasional Green Herons.

CEFGH

Sponsor: Audubon Society of 

Lincoln City

52. Drift Creek Falls

From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, drive 

S, turn E on Drift Creek Rd, then S 

on S. Drift Creek Rd, turn E on Forest Service road 17 and go 10 mi to 

parking lot and trailhead. 

A 3-mile round trip on this 

well-maintained trail of moderate 

difficulty passes through a narrow 

band of old-growth Douglas-fir forest and over a 240-foot suspension 

bridge 100 feet above Drift Creek, 

overlooking a horsetail type waterfall 

Western Tanager

PHOTO BY: John Williams

Marbled Murrelet

PHOTO BY: Troy Guy PHOTO BY: Ram Papish

Tufted Puffin
17

56. Fogarty Creek 

State Park

From Hwy 101 in Depoe Bay, drive N 

2 mi to park entrance on E side.

Where the creek and ocean meet, 

you’ll find ingredients for relaxing 

birding. Walk the paved trail and cross 

the wooden footbridge that arches 

through Sitka spruce, (shorepine,) 

and alder forest to a small beach with 

rocky intertidal habitat. Watch for migrant warblers in the spring including 

Yellow-rumped, Wilson’s, Townsend’s, 

Yellow, and Hermit. Year-round species include Winter Wren, Song 

Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Spotted 

Towhee, and Hairy Woodpecker.

ACDEFG

Sponsor: Chinook Winds Casino 

Resort

and Short-tailed Shearwaters, and 

jaegers. December-February, notable 

species are Short-tailed Shearwater, 

and Black-legged Kittiwake. Northern Fulmar, Harlequin Duck, Rock 

Sandpiper, Pomarine and Parasitic 

Jaegers are occasional. April-May, 

species of special note include loons, 

Black-legged Kittiwake, Rhinoceros 

Auklet, and Marbled Murrelet. 

ACEFG

Sponsor: Yaquina Birders and 

Naturalists

58. Depoe Bay Seawall and 

Whale Watching Center

Use public parking on W side of Hwy 

101 in Depoe Bay. 

The “World’s Smallest Harbor”, open 

ocean, and rocky intertidal habitat 

provide excellent views of Surfbird, 

Black and Ruddy Turnstone, and occasionally Rock Sandpiper in winter, 

Black Oystercatcher, Pelagic Cormorant, and Pigeon Guillemot yearround. Get splashed with sea spray 

while you watch resident gray whales 

from the seawall and visit the State 

Park’s Whale Watching Center.

CEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department 

59. Rocky Creek State 

Scenic Viewpoint

From Hwy 101 in Newport, drive N 

10 mi and turn W (L) into parking lot.

This small oceanfront park is nestled 

on a forested bluff overlooking sandy 

beach and rocky shores. It is an official “Whale Watching Spoken Here” 

site and a great point for watching 

seabirds like Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Common and Pacific 

Loon, Surf and White-winged Scoter, 

Western and Horned Grebe, and 

Black Oystercatcher.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Lincoln County

60. Cape Foulweather 

and Otter Crest Loop

From Hwy 101 in Newport, go N 9.2 

mi and turn W (L) onto Otter Crest 

Loop Rd; proceed using pullouts on 

W side of road to scan surf and cliffs. 

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cuisine to one of the largest wine

cellars on the West Coast, a variety

of dining experiences are yours

for the tasting. 

The Shops at Salishan offer a

unique coastal shopping 

experience, featuring art and style

distinctive to the Northwest.

57. Boiler Bay State 

Scenic Viewpoint

From Hwy 101 in Depoe Bay, go N 

to parking lot at Boiler Bay on W side 

of Hwy. 

A rugged, basalt-rimmed bay creates 

a great spot to watch wild surf action 

and California gray whale migration 

in December and March. This is the 

premier sea-watch site on the coast. 

A spotting scope and experience are 

helpful in identifying distant seabirds. 

June-August bring Brown Pelican, 

Sooty Shearwater, Heermann’s Gull, 

Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, 

Marbled Murrelet, Rhinoceros Auklet, 

and Black Oystercatcher, and irregularly Sabine’s Gull, Cassin’s Auklet, 

and Tufted Puffin. September-November regular species include Sooty and 

Pink-footed Shearwater, Black-legged 

Kittiwake, Marbled and Ancient Murrelet, and Rhinoceros Auklet; less 

frequent are Northern Fulmar, Buller’s 

Heermann's Gulls

BY: KevinSmithnaturephotos.com
18

After about 2 mi at four-way stop, 

proceed uphill to the parking lot on R.

The prelude of views from the pullouts only hints at the expansive vista 

of open ocean and rocky cliffs that 

await visitors as they stand 500 feet 

above sea level at the Cape. Keep 

watch for migrating and resident gray 

whale, and playful harbor seals yearround. In summer, look for passing 

Brown Pelican, Caspian Tern, and flying strings of Common Murre to see 

what they look like from nearly above 

− a perspective not available at most 

sites. The cliff edges host nesting 

Pelagic Cormorants, and produce 

updrafts where Bald Eagle, Peregrine 

Falcon, and Red-tailed Hawk soar, 

joined in winter by American Kestrel. 

EFG

Sponsor: Lincoln County

61. Devil’s Punch Bowl 

State Natural Area

From Hwy 101 in Newport, drive 8 mi 

N and take (W) L exit for Otter Rock, 

proceed to 1st St, turn W(L), and go .5 

mi to parking lot at end.

Surfers and storm watchers frequent 

this unique geological site where the 

mighty Pacific slams with a thundering roar into a hollow rock formation 

shaped like a punch bowl. Popular 

with tidepoolers, whale watchers, and 

amateur geologists, the area attracts 

Brown Pelican, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Heermann’s Gull, 

and Black Oystercatcher in summer. 

Marbled Murrelet, Rhinoceros and 

Cassin’s Auklet, and Pacific Loon are 

occasional. In winter, Harlequin Duck 

are in the nearby surf and Black Oystercatchers may flock at high tide on 

the rocks. Black Turnstone and Surfbird are common, and Rock Sandpiper are occasional.

CEFG

Sponsor: Lincoln County

62. Beverly Beach 

State Park

From Hwy 101 in Newport, drive 7 mi 

N and turn E into park.

This is a popular park with full amenities. It offers a convenient walkway 

that leads visitors to a long expanse 

of sandy beach extending from Yaquina Head to Otter Rock. Within the 

park is a coastal forest with giant, 

wind-sculpted trees and nurse logs 

strung along pebbly Spencer Creek. 

On the beach, look for Western and 

Heermann’s Gull, Common Loon, 

and Brown Pelican flying by, and 

flocks of Sanderling, Whimbrel, and 

Western Sandpiper during migration. 

In the park and campground, expect 

to see Pileated Woodpecker, Bandtailed Pigeon, Swainson’s Thrush, 

Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Brown 

Creepers, Cedar Waxwing, Darkeyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Flycker and Wilson’s 

Warbler.

ABCEFG

Sponsor: Bureau of Land 

Management

63. Yaquina Head 

Outstanding Natural Area

From Hwy 101 in Newport, drive N 

leaving town to Lighthouse Dr, turn 

W (L), follow to parking lot by Lighthouse.

Multiple activities make this natural 

area and Globally Important Bird 

Area a must see destination. There is 

a historic lighthouse, an interpretive 

center, hiking trails, disabled accessible tidepools, and wildlife viewing 

decks. Gray whales and harbor seals 

are seen year-round, and one of the 

largest Common Murre colonies on 

the coast is easily viewed. Other 

summer birds include Bald Eagle, 

Black Oystercatcher, Brandt’s and 

Pelagic Cormorant, Western Gull, 

Brown Pelican, and Pigeon Guillemot. December-February common 

birds include Red-necked and Western Grebe, Common Loon, and Peregrine Falcon, and Marbled Murrelet 

are occasional.

ACDEFGH

Sponsor: Bureau of Land 

Management

64. Sally’s Bend

From Hwy 101 in Newport, go E 

on Hwy 20, turn R (S) on SE Moore 

Dr, go to end, turn L (E) on SE Bay 

Blvd/Yaquina Bay Rd, turn R at large 

white “1702 Yaquina Bay Rd” sign, 

stop at pullouts while approaching 

large green liquefied natural gas 

tank. Please do not park near gates 

or walk around the gate for security 

reasons. After scanning the water 

here, return to Yaquina Bay Rd, turn 

R (E), and drive around bend to pullout on R after yellow “S-Curves/35 

MPH” sign.

Walk west of the road to view terrestrial birds like Western Meadowlark, Northern Shrike, Killdeer, and 

Wilson’s Snipe, American Pipit and 

Western Kingbird in spring. At low 

tide a Bald Eagle is reliable on the piling near the middle of the Bend. 

Fall to spring are good for waterbirds 

like American Wigeon, Canvasback, 

Common Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, 

Redheads, Surf and White-winged 

Scoters, and Red-breasted Merganser. Red-necked and Eared Grebes 

are seen over deep water. From 

October–November, this is the only 

Yaquina Bay site where Red-breasted, Common and Hooded Merganser, 

and all six species of grebes occurring in Oregon may be seen. At winter 

low tides, Black Brant may graze on 

the exposed eelgrass beds. 

KH

Sponsor: Yaquina Birders and 

Naturalists

65. Yaquina Bay Road

From Hwy 101 in Newport, go E on 

Hwy 20, turn R (S) on SE Moore Dr, 

go to end, turn L (E) on SE Bay Blvd/

Yaquina Bay Rd. Drive 12 mi to end. 

Good stops are at Mileposts: 4, 5.1, 

6.7, 7.1, 7.7, 8.8, 9.2 

Designated a scenic drive, birding 

is very good along the entire length 

of Yaquina Bay Road and best from 

fall to spring. Stop at pullouts along 

the way to view loons, grebes, ducks, 

and gulls. The small bridge just before MP 6.7 is a good place to search 

for perched gulls, Great Blue Heron, 

Great Egret, and Green Heron or 

Snowy Egret. In winter, Dunlin, Western and Least Sandpiper, and Black 

Turnstones may roost on wood rafts 

at high tide. The abandoned Fowler’s 

Oyster site has pilings with nest boxes 

favored by western Purple Martins. At 

MP 8.8 and 9.2, walk the roadside to 

view the open valleys for White-tailed 

Kite, Northern Harrier, and Red-tailed 

Hawk. Mourning Dove is occasional 

in spring. Tide gates block passage 

of saltwater into each slough; on the 

freshwater side watch for Pied-billed 

Grebe, Wood Duck, Green-winged 

Teal, Northern Pintail, Hooded MerFork-tailed Storm-petrel PHOTO BY:Wayne Hoffman

Common Murre

PHOTO BY: DAvid pitkin / us fish & 

wildlife service
19

ganser, Ring-necked Duck, and rarely, Redhead. On the saltwater side in 

winter are Common Loon, Horned 

and Western Grebe, Double-crested 

Cormorant, Surf Scoter, and Western, 

Glaucous-winged, and Mew Gulls. 

Summer brings California Gull and 

Caspian Tern. 

EFGHK

Sponsor: Lincoln County

66. Depot Slough 

Interpretive Trail

From Hwy 101, take Hwy 20 E to 

Toledo, turn S (R) on Bus 20, follow 

through town, turn R on Main St, 

merge onto Butler Bridge Rd, go .2 

mi, and turn R into parking lot.

Owned by the Port of Toledo, this trail 

is a good vantage point to scan Depot 

Slough for Bufflehead, Western and 

Pied-billed Grebe, Common Merganser, and Great Blue Heron. Access 

the .25 mile trail at the far end of the 

parking lot to walk along the slough 

and the open field. Spotted Sandpiper is seen from fall-spring on the 

rocks along the slough and the field 

has Western Meadowlark in winter. 

The trail ends at an elevated viewing 

deck that is adjacent to an active Osprey nesting platform. 

AEFG

Sponsor: Toledo Chamber of 

Commerce

67. Toledo Public Boat Launch

From Hwy 101, take Hwy 20 E to 

Toledo, turn S (R) on Bus 20 and 

follow through town, turn R on Main 

St, merge onto Butler Bridge Rd, 

drive 1.2 mi (pass paper mill), at a 

V-intersection go R on S. Bay Rd for 

.45 mi, turn R into Port of Toledo Boat 

Launch.

Walk along the small wetland areas 

on the far side of the parking lot and 

watch for Marsh Wren, Green Heron, 

Black Phoebe and Song Sparrow. 

Great Egret and Great Blue Heron are 

reliable in the shallow areas along 

the bank. Fall-early spring Spotted Sandpiper, Western and Horned 

Grebe, all three cormorants, and Bald 

Eagle are common. Least Sandpiper roost at high tide from fall-spring 

on the downed wood floating by the 

boat launch. Continue driving down 

South. Bay Rd and scan the mudflats 

for Greater Yellowlegs. 

CEFG

Sponsor: Toledo Chamber of 

Commerce

68. Yaquina Bay State Park

From Hwy 101 S in Newport, turn 

W (R) just before the Yaquina Bay 

Bridge; follow to SW corner parking 

lot.

A historic lighthouse and viewing 

deck overlook the bay and ocean. 

A spotting scope is helpful to view 

birds in the channel. Summer brings 

Brown Pelican, Pelagic Cormorant, 

Common Murre, and Pigeon Guillemot. In winter, vagrants include 

Yellow-billed Loon and Long-tailed 

Duck, and in the shorepine and twinberry along the road and trails to the 

beach are Townsend’s Warbler and 

Hermit Thrush. Summer birds include 

Swainson’s Thrush, swallows, and 

flycatchers. Elusive Wrentits may be 

found throughout the year.

ACEFGH

Sponsor: City of Newport

69. South Jetty Yaquina Bay

From Hwy 101 S in Newport, take the 

first exit to W (R) after crossing the 

Yaquina Bay Bridge; follow 0.2 mi, 

turn L (W) on to 26th St/South Jetty.

Where the Yaquina River meets the 

Pacific Ocean, sandy shores, an 

extensive rock jetty, and adjacent 

coastal sand dunes create an easy 

birding experience with a variety 

of species. At the first pullout on 

the right where a finger of rocks 

jut into the bay, watch for Common 

and Pacific Loon and occasionally 

Yellow-billed Loon. Harlequin Duck 

perch on the rocks at low tide and 

harbor seal haulout on the far end. 

February-March, herring may spawn 

in the eelgrass beds, which attracts 

thousands of scoters and gulls. Pairs 

of young Common Murre with their 

attendant fathers are seen and heard 

calling to each other in the channel 

July-August. In winter, look for Snow 

Bunting and longspur in the short 

grass farther along the jetty, also 

White-tailed Kite, Northern Harrier, 

and during irruption years Snowy Owl 

in the dunes south of the jetty. At the 

largest pullover on the right, where a 

“gull puddle” forms in the rainy season, you can sort through the resting 

gulls, looking for Glaucous, Herring, 

and Thayer’s among the Western and 

Glaucous-winged Gulls and hybrids. 

Scan the rocky waterline for Black 

Turnstone and Surfbird, occasionally 

with Rock Sandpiper. At the “jaws” 

of the jetty, pelagic birds like Blacklegged Kittiwakes can be spotted. 

CEFGH

Sponsor: Yaquina Birders and 

Naturalists

70. Port of Newport/

Public Fishing Pier

From Hwy 101 S in Newport, take the 

first exit to W (R) after crossing the 

Yaquina Bay Bridge, follow around, 

cross under bridge, turn L into Rogue 

Brewery, and park at W end. Walk to 

Fishing/Crabbing Pier.

Try your luck at fishing or crabbing 

on this busy pier while you watch the 

birds come and go. The pier is unique 

for Yaquina Bay as it allows birders 

to be surrounded by water and the 

environment of seabirds without 

getting seasick on a boat. In winter, 

watch the channel for a Long-tailed 

Duck or a Yellow-billed Loon. In summer, Western Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, 

and Pelagic Cormorant nest on the 

bridge. All three species of cormorants roost on pilings by the bridge, 

allowing study of their differences. 

CEFGH

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Aquarium

71. Perpetua Bank – 

Pelagic Site

40 Nautical mi WSW of Newport or 

32 Nautical mi W of Yachats (44° 

19.2’ N, 124° 52.2’ W). Reachable 

only by ocean-going boat.

This zone of relatively shallow water 

on the open ocean attracts pelagic birds that are rarely seen from 

land. Best visited April to September for Black-footed, and Laysan 

Albatross, Northern Fulmar, Sooty, 

Buller’s, Pink-footed and Flesh-footed Shearwater, as well as Fork-tailed 

Storm-Petrel. Sometimes possible 

to visit by joining a chartered fishing 

cruise. For a schedule of professionally guided pelagic birding trips visit 

http://thebirdguide.com/pelagics. 

L

Sponsor: U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service

Yaquina Bay

State Park

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73 71 70

69 SW 26th St /South Jetty

20

65

Moore Dr

Bay Blvd

Yaquina Bay Rd

64

Yaquina Bay

Yaquina Bay Rd

68

74

OSU Dr

South Beach

State Park

NEWPORT

Western Gull

KevinSmithnaturephotos.com
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72. Oregon Coast Aquarium

From Hwy 101 in Newport, go S over 

Yaquina Bay Bridge and follow signs 

to the Aquarium. Admission Fee.

The Aquarium is a destination not to 

be missed on the Oregon Coast. Inside a large open-air seabird aviary 

gives visitors close-up views of Tufted Puffin, Pigeon Guillemot, Common 

Murre, Black Oystercatcher, and Rhinoceros Auklet. A new outdoor exhibit features Semipalmated Plover and 

the endangered Western Snowy Plover. An interpretive nature trail lined 

with meticulously landscaped native 

flora overlooks the Yaquina Bay estuary providing views of Green Heron, 

Great Blue Heron, Killdeer, and Purple 

Martin in summer. 

ACDEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Coast 

Aquarium

73. Oregon State University 

Hatfield Marine Science 

Center Nature Trail

From Hwy 101 S in Newport, take the 

first exit to W (R) after crossing the 

Yaquina Bay Bridge, drive on SE OSU 

Dr following signs for Center. Park at 

E side of visitor center.

All year the 1-mile trail bordering 

Yaquina Bay is popular with local 

birders. In winter, check bushes 

and pines for Palm Warbler and the 

fields for Savannah Sparrow. Fall 

brings Western Meadowlark. These 

grounds are well known for vagrants 

during migration like Sage Thrasher, 

Mountain Bluebird, and Say’s Phoebe. On the mudflats in fall, waterfowl 

are abundant and Brant winter. Peak 

shorebird migration is late April, 

expect Dunlin, Western and Least 

Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, 

Whimbrel, and Long-billed Curlew. 

Caspian Tern and sometimes Elegant 

Tern are present in summer. Common birds of prey are Turkey Vulture, 

Bald Eagle, White-tailed Kite, Peregrine Falcon, and Merlin. The Visitor 

Center has a rocky intertidal touch 

tank, interpretative displays, and a 

nature-oriented bookstore.

ACEFGH

Sponsor: Yaquina Birders and 

Naturalists

74. Mike Miller 

Educational Trail

From Hwy 101 S in Newport, cross 

the Yaquina Bay Bridge and drive 1.2 

mi to turn E (L) onto SE 50th St (MP 

144), follow 0.2 mi to trailhead. 

A one-mile hilly loop trail meanders 

through coniferous forest, freshwater 

wetlands and native shrubs. In spring, 

Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, 

and Wilson’s Snipe use the wetlands. 

Osprey have nested on top of a snag 

for several years. Pileated Woodpecker visit, Red-breasted Sapsucker 

and Downy Woodpecker have nested 

in snags. Other birds along the trail 

include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Brown 

Creeper, Wrentit, Western Tanager, 

Black-headed Grosbeak, Hutton’s 

and Cassin’s Vireo, Great Horned 

Owl, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Bushtit, Northern 

Pygmy-Owl, Purple Finch, Spotted 

Towhee, Red Crossbill, Northern 

Flicker, Townsend’s, Wilson’s, and 

Orange-crowned Warbler, and Hermit, Varied, and Swainson’s Thrush.

AEFG

Sponsor: City of Newport

75. Ona Beach/Brian Booth 

State Park

From Hwy. 101 in Newport, drive S 8 

mi to MP 148.9. Turn W (R) into State 

Park to access the west side of the 

park, or to explore the inland side, 

turn E (L) on North Beaver Creek Rd 

and take immediate R into parking 

area.

While approaching the Park, search 

the tall trees and power lines for Bald 

Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawk. On 

the west side, Beaver Creek empties 

into the Pacific Ocean and is flanked 

by Sitka spruce and shore pine parkland and coastal brackish marsh. Terrestrial birds abound in native shrub. 

Residents include Steller’s Jay, 

American Crow, Chestnut-backed 

Chickadee, Pacific and Bewick’s 

Wren, Hairy Woodpecker and Brown 

Creeper. Winter birds include Golden-crowned Kinglet, Varied and Hermit Thrush, and Townsend’s Warbler. 

In summer watch for Violet-green 

Swallow, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit 

and Wilson’s Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, and Purple Finch. Cross the 

footbridge to the ocean to see gulls, 

Caspian Tern, migrating shorebirds, 

and Brown Pelican at the mouth of 

Beaver Creek. The east side of the 

park is coastal freshwater marsh 

which experiences muted tidal influence, surrounded by mature Sitka 

spruce and western hemlock forest. 

The best experience for this is via 

canoe or kayak. Use the boat launch 

from the parking lot on the east side 

of Highway 101 and watch for Piedbilled Grebe, Green Heron, and Belted Kingfisher in summer. Spotted 

Sandpipers walk the river’s edge in 

spring and Virginia Rail skulk in the 

dense vegetation. Fall and Winter can bring Great Egret, Common 

Goldeneye, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Greater Scaup, Surf and Whitewinged Scoter, Hooded Merganser, 

and Red-breasted Merganser. River 

otter, nutria, and beaver are common.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Yaquina Birders and 

Naturalists

76. Happ Memorial 

Wetland and Lyon’s Pond

From Hwy 101 in Newport, drive S 

8 mi and turn E (L) on North Beaver 

Creek Rd; drive 0.2 mi to pullout to 

view Lyon’s Pond. Continue E 0.4 mi 

to pullout and view bulrush marsh. 

Continue E to a row of alders on R 

and park in pullout. 

Best viewed by car, the 78-acre 

freshwater marsh protected by The 

Wetlands Conservancy is a quick 

stop for Belted Kingfisher, Redwinged Blackbird, Virginia Rail, Killdeer, Marsh Wren, Red-tailed and 

Sharp-shinned Hawk year-round. 

Fall-spring expect Northern Pintail, 

Green-winged Teal, and Wilson’s 

Snipe; occasionally Merlin and Whitetailed Kite are seen. Spring migrants 

include Cinnamon Teal, Greater 

Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, and 

Purple Martin. Common summer residents are Wood Duck, Band-tailed 

Pigeon, and Northern Rough-winged, 

Tree, Violet-green, and Barn Swallow.

EFGK

Sponsor: Audubon Society of

Portland

Pelagic Cormorant

PHOTO BY: Lois Miller

Surfbird

PHOTO BY: Richard Cronberg
21

77. Beaver Creek State 

Natural Area

From Hwy 101 in Newport, drive S 8 

mi to MP 148.9. Turn E (L) on North 

Beaver Creek Rd, follow 1.2 mi to interpretive center. 

Bring boots or a boat to Beaver Creek 

to bird the trails or paddle the marsh. 

Five miles of hiking trails wind through 

seasonal wetlands, grasslands and 

coniferous and deciduous forest. 

Year round you can see or hear Pine 

Siskin, Red Crossbill, Wrentit, Virginia 

Rail, Ruffed Grouse and Marsh Wren. 

In summer birds include Olive-sided and Pacific-slope Flycatcher, 

Band-tailed Pigeon, Black-headed 

Grosbeak, swallows, Warbling Vireo, Western-wood Peewee, Rufous 

Hummingbird and Western Tanager. 

In fall and winter Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Townsend’s Warbler and 

a wide variety of ducks can be seen.

ACEFG

78. Drift Creek Wilderness

From Hwy 101 in Newport, drive S 8 

mi, turn E (L) on N. Beaver Creek Rd, 

go 1 mi to a fork, veer L, and go 2.7 

mi to T-shaped junction, turn R on N. 

Elkhorn Rd/USFS Road 51, drive cautiously along rd with blind corners 5.8 

mi to a T-junction, turn L onto paved 

USFS 50 for 1.4 mi, then fork R on 

graveled USFS 5087 for 3.8 mi to 

trailhead.

An ancient forest and true wilderness 

experience with high canopy birds 

awaits you in these Forest Service 

lands. The trail is difficult hiking but 

worth it as you ramble past wild 

coastal streams, moss-covered maples and giant Sitka spruce. Spring 

and summer bring Marbled Murrelet 

calls at dawn, Northern Pygmy, Spotted and Barred Owl, Vaux’s Swift, Pileated and Hairy Woodpecker, Hammond’s and Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, 

Gray Jay, American Dipper, Brown 

Creeper, Western Tanager, Common 

Raven, and Varied and Swainson’s 

Thrush. Ruffed Grouse and Red 

Crossbill are occasional. Along with 

Douglas’ squirrel, Townsend’s chipmunk, and Roosevelt elk, mountain lions are seen and precautions 

should be taken. 

A

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

79. Seal Rocks

From Hwy 101 in Seal Rock at MP 

150.9, turn W into parking lot for 

Seal Rock State Park. After birding 

the park, return to Hwy 101 S to stop 

at pullouts within 0.2 mi, with views 

of the rocks and surf.

An abundance of wildlife can be seen 

from this small but scenic State Park 

Wayside with a high density of offshore rocks and islands. The viewing 

deck at the north end of the park 

has a good view of crashing waves 

and offshore seabirds. Follow the 

trail through dense shorepine forest and salal to an ADA-accessible 

viewing deck at the park’s south 

end. Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant 

nest on the columnar basalt cliffs of 

Elephant Rock, which is crowned by 

nesting Western Gull. Pigeon Guillemot nest in cliff burrows under the 

highway and can often be seen on 

the water. Scan the waves fall-spring 

for Harlequin Duck, Black Scoter, 

loons and grebes. Seal Rock is a 

stopover for hundreds of Surfbirds 

in late July, with smaller flocks staying to winter on the rocks along with 

Black Turnstone, and occasionally 

Rock Sandpiper. Wandering Tattler 

and Ruddy Turnstone occur in migration. The beach is best explored at 

low tide when tidepools are exposed; 

beach access is via a moderately 

steep trail from the south-viewing 

platform.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department 

80. North Alsea Bay

From Hwy 101, drive S towards 

Waldport to MP 155, turn E (L) on N 

Bayview Rd, drive 1.0 mi to the first, 

small pullout by Alsea Bay just past a 

corner guardrail.

This quick pullout is unique as an estuarine birding site, as you view the 

birds from 80 feet above. This gives 

a different perspective of diving birds 

such as loons, grebes, cormorants, 

and scoters, surface-feeding ducks 

such as Mallards and wigeon during 

fall and winter. Continue along Bayview Rd to a pullout less than 0.1 

east of the intersection with South 

Beaver Creek Rd to view Alsea Bay 

on the south and Bayview Pasture 

on the north. In winter, Bayview Pasture is often used by shorebirds at 

high tide and by Canada Goose and 

American and Eurasian Wigeon with 

occasional White-fronted Goose. 

EFGH

Sponsor: Lincoln County

81. Alsea Bridge 

North Wayside

From Hwy 101, drive S towards 

Waldport, turn W (R) at MP 155.5 on 

Minor Park Rd, drive 0.5 mi to parking lot.

Walk to viewing area and scan the 

bay for harbor seals hauled out at 

low tide on sand spit in the middle 

of the bay. Also visible are Pigeon 

Guillemots and Common Murres 

in summer, Pelagic Cormorant and 

Western Gull year round, and in winter Common Loons, Western Grebes, 

and scoters. Cormorants and gulls 

nest under the bridge.

EFGH

Sponsor: Audubon Society of

Portland

82. Port of Alsea

From Hwy, 101 in Waldport, take Hwy 

34 E, turn N (L) on NE Broadway, turn 

R on Port Ave, proceed to parking.

The Port of Alsea has built an elevated viewing deck and interpretive 

panel showcasing the Alsea Bay 

Important Bird Area. Walk along the 

parking area to view the Bay east of 

the bridge in summer for Caspian 

Tern, Osprey, and Brown Pelican. 

Throughout the year Bald Eagle is 

possible as are gulls. The area is most 

productive fall-spring with Common 

Loon, Western Grebe, Red-necked 

Grebe, Horned Grebe, Canvasback, 

WALDPORT

34

81

80

84

82

83

WB Nelson State 

Recreation Site

Bayview

Rd

Alsea Bay

Eckman

Lake

21

White Crowned Sparrow

PHOTO BY: Ram Papish
22

Common Goldeneye, and Surf Scoter 

and occasional Red-throated Loon 

and Black Scoter. Winter vagrants include Yellow-billed Loon, Long-tailed 

Duck, and Barrow’s Goldeneye. A 

boat launch is available as are several docks for crabbing or fishing.

CEFGH

Sponsor: Lincoln County

83. Eckman Lake and Slough

From Hwy 101 in Waldport, drive E 

on Hwy 34 for 2.3 mi, turn S (R) into 

W. B. Nelson State Recreation Site. 

After scanning lake, return to Hwy 

34, turn E (R), drive 0.3 mi, turn S 

(R) onto Eckman Creek Rd, drive S 

0.5 mi (pulling over where appropriate), and turn W (R) on East Lakeside 

Drive, pullover at S end of Eckman 

Lake, scan for birds then turn around 

and return to intersection of Eckman 

Creek Road and Hwy 34, turn W (L), 

pullover 0.2 mi at Eckman Slough 

between lake and Alsea Bay.

This little gem offers great pullouts 

on a quiet road encircling the lake 

and slough to view several distinct 

habitats: freshwater lake, wetland, 

and estuarine mudflats. The lake 

has open water and cattail marsh 

attracting abundant waterfowl and 

marsh birds such as Virginia Rail. 

Fall-spring, watch for Bufflehead, 

Ring-necked Duck, Green-winged 

Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, Western 

Grebe, Common Loon, Wilson’s 

Snipe, and Red Phalarope. Cinnamon Teal, Greater Yellowlegs and 

dowitchers visit in migration. In summer, the lake has Double-crested 

Cormorant, Wood Duck, and Osprey 

and occasional Pied-billed Grebe. 

Eckman Slough hosts waterfowl and 

shorebirds at low tide during the fall 

through spring.

CEFGHK

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Visitors 

Association

84. William P. Keady Wayside

From Hwy 101 in Waldport, drive S 

to just before the Hwy skirts the Bay, 

turn sharply N (R) onto SW Maple 

Street, and park.

The City of Waldport’s gazebo and 

deck allow a good view of the Alsea 

Bay mouth. Bald Eagle, Western 

Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, and 

Pelagic Cormorant are year-round. 

Fall-spring, scan for Common 

Loon, Horned Grebe, Surf Scoter, 

White-winged Scoter, Red-breasted 

Merganser, and occasional Pacific 

Loon. Summer brings Brown Pelican, 

Heermann’s Gull, Caspian Tern, Pigeon Guillemot, and Common Murre. 

Winter vagrants include Yellow-billed 

Loon and Long-tailed Duck. A summer rarity is Elegant Tern. Harbor 

seals haulout on the North Spit and 

the sandbar near the bridge.

CEFGH

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department

85. Smelt Sands State 

Recreation Site

Drive S on Hwy 101 in N Yachats, 

turn W (R) onto Lemwick Ln at MP 

163.5, follow signs to park.

An excellent whale watching and 

photography viewpoint. A yearly surf 

smelt run through rocky intertidal 

habitat onto a beach of coarse black 

sand has declined in recent years. 

Hike the 0.75 mile historic 804 Trail. 

Throughout the year look for Black 

Oystercatcher, Western Gull, and 

Glaucous-winged Gull. Fall-spring, 

scan for Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant, Surf and White-winged Scoter, 

Black Turnstone, Surfbird, and occasionally Harlequin Duck and Black 

Scoter. In summer, watch for passing 

Brown Pelican. A spotting scope may 

reveal distant seabirds like Northern 

Fulmar, shearwaters, and jaegers.

ACEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Visitors 

Association

86. Yachats State 

Recreation Area

From Hwy 101 S in Yachats, turn W 

(R) onto 2nd St, drive to Oceanview 

Dr, turn S (L), and park. 

Watch large ocean waves diminish as 

they enter Yachats Bay. On the ocean 

side, Western and Glaucous-winged 

Gull, and Pelagic Cormorant are resident. Fall-spring, search for Surf, 

White-winged, and Black Scoter, and 

occasionally Black-legged Kittiwake. 

Summer birds include Brown Pelican, 

Heermann’s Gull, Common Murre, 

Pigeon Guillemot, Marbled Murrelet, 

Rhinoceros Auklet, and vagrant Ancient Murrelet. Birds in the bay fallspring are American Wigeon and Herring, Thayer’s, California, and Mew 

Gull. Watch for passing gray whales 

in December and again in March.

CEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Parks and 

Recreation Department

87. Yachats Ocean Road 

State Natural Site

From Hwy 101 S in Yachats, W (R) 

onto Yachats Ocean Rd, use pullouts 

along the half-mile loop.

On the rocks, look for Black Oystercatcher year-around and wintering 

Black Turnstone and Surfbird. Fallspring waterbirds include Pacific 

Loon, Common Loon, Surf, Black, 

and White-winged Scoter, and occasionally Red-throated Loon and 

Black-legged Kittiwake. Summer 

birds are Brown Pelican, Heermann’s 

YACHATS

Smelt Sands State Recreation Site

Ocean View Dr

Yachats 

State Recreation Area

85

86

87

2nd St

Yachats Ocean Road 

State Natural Site

Tree Swallow

PHOTO BY: John Williams

Swainson's Thrush

PHOTO BY: TerrySteeleNATUREPHOTOGRAPHY.com
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Chinook Winds

Ad
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Gull, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Rhinoceros Auklet and Marbled 

Murrelet. Vagrants include Ancient 

Murrelet. This is a good area for seawatching of pelagic seabirds with a 

spotting scope in the morning. Loon 

migration is visible in spring and fall, 

and Sooty Shearwaters are common 

during summer. This site also has 

access to sandy beaches of Yachats 

Bay.

EFG

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Visitors 

Association

88. Cape Perpetua 

Scenic Area

From Hwy 101 in Yachats, drive S 2.5 

mi, turn E (L) into Cape Perpetua Visitor Center. 

A suite of habitats and activities await 

birders along this stretch of rocky 

coastline and old-growth temperate 

rainforest. From the visitor center, 

plan a day filled with hiking, tidepooling, whale watching and excellent 

birding. In summer, start with predawn stake outs at the Cape Creek 

campground (1 mile north of Visitor 

Center) for nesting Marbled Murrelet. 

Watch and listen for Hermit and Wilson’s Warbler, Wrentit, Black-headed 

Grosbeak, Gray Jay, Steller’s Jay, 

Rufous Hummingbird, Ruffed Grouse 

as you hike miles of trails through 

fog-shrouded forest. During low tide, 

investigate the intertidal marine garden for Black Oystercatcher, Western 

Gull, Harlequin Duck and cormorant.

ABCDEFG

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation 

89. Heceta Head Lighthouse 

State Scenic Viewpoint

From Hwy 101 in Florence, drive N 

13 mi to MP 178.9, and turn W into 

park. Proceed to parking lot and trailhead to lighthouse. 

Cape Creek meets the Pacific Ocean 

near the parking lot and attracts hundreds of Western Gull that bathe in 

the water. A short but rigorous hike to 

the historic lighthouse winds through 

a wind-sculpted Sitka spruce forest, 

rewarding you with close views of 

thousands of seabirds in spring and 

summer. Oregon Islands National 

Wildlife Refuge lies within binocular range and provides habitat for 

Common Murre, Double-crested 

and Brandt’s Cormorant, Black Oystercatcher, and Pigeon Guillemot. 

On the hike to the lighthouse one 

might see Wrentit, Song and Whitecrowned Sparrow, Red Crossbill, 

Swainson’s Thrush, and Wilson’s and 

Orange-crowned Warbler. Watch the 

open sea for the occasional Shorttailed Shearwater, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Caspian Tern.

ACD

Sponsor: Convention and Visitors 

Association of Lane County

90. Sea Lion Caves

From Hwy 101 in Florence, drive N 

11 mi to Sea Lion Caves. Address 

is 91560 Hwy 101 North. Admission 

Fee required.

Declared the “world’s largest sea 

cave”, thousands of years of intense ocean surge have carved out 

a deep cave that is now a sanctuary 

for Federally threatened Steller sea 

lion. Once in the cave, scan the rocky 

cave wall to the east to see Pigeon 

Guillemot and Rhinoceros Auklet 

raising young. This is the only known 

site on the Pacific coast where Rhinoceros Auklet is diurnal on their 

breeding grounds. From the outside 

viewing decks look for Double-crested, Brandt’s, and Pelagic Cormorant 

along with Western Gull nesting on 

the mainland cliff face. A quick ocean 

scan may turn up an occasional Tufted Puffin.

CD

Sponsor: Sea Lion Caves

91. South Jetty 

Siuslaw River

From Hwy 101 in Florence, cross 

Siuslaw River Bridge and drive .5 mi 

to S Jetty Rd, turn W (R), use pullouts 

to bird along this 6 mi stretch that 

ends at the South Jetty.

The Siuslaw River empties into the 

Pacific and meets sandy beach, 

rocky intertidal jetties, low-tide sand 

flats, and a deflation plain surrounded by willow thickets and seasonal 

freshwater. During migration, flocks 

of Black-bellied and Semipalmated 

Plover, American and Pacific Golden-Plover, yellowlegs, dowitchers, 

Sanderling and Western, Least, 

Baird’s and occasionally Pectoral 

Sandpiper can be seen. Northern 

Harrier and White-tailed Kite hunt 

the perimeter. The water between the 

jetties attracts Surf Scoter, Common 

Loon, Western Grebe, and occasionally flocks of Sooty Shearwaters.

CDEFGHK

Sponsor: Port of Siuslaw

92. PAWN Trail

From Hwy 101 in Florence, take Hwy 

126 1 mi to Forest Rd #5070/N Fork 

Rd, turn L, go 12 mi, take L fork onto 

Forest Rd #5084/Upper N Fork Rd, 

veer R onto Forest Rd #653, cross 

river, and park at trailhead.

Take a trip back in time on the PAWN 

trail, a short 1-mile loop through oldgrowth Sitka spruce and western 

hemlock forest dappled with bigleafed maples and protected as part 

of Siuslaw National Forest. Listen on 

early summer mornings for Marbled 

Murrelet returning from ocean fishing 

forays to nests in the forest canopy. 

The area also has nesting Wilson’s 

Warbler, Hairy Woodpecker, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, 

Swainson’s Thrush, Brown Creeper 

and Chestnut-backed Chickadee. 

PAWN is an acronym for the four 

families who were instrumental in establishing a post office on the North 

Fork Siuslaw River above Minerva in 

the early 1900’s.

A

Sponsor: U.S. Forest Service/

Siuslaw National Forest

Rufous Hummingbird

BY: Roy W Lowe

Northern Pygmy Owl

PHOTO BY: RICHARD Cronberg
26

93. Sweet Creek Falls

From Hwy 101 in Florence, drive E on 

Hwy 126 14 mi to Mapleton. Stay on 

Hwy 126 across bridge, then turn R 

on Sweet Creek Rd, drive 10 mi to 

trailhead.

The moderately difficult trail is 3.5 

miles long, offering a scenic journey 

along Sweet Creek, where water 

cascades down numerous falls and 

sculpted bedrock; American Dipper can be seen and Winter Wren 

heard. Birds to watch for in summer 

are Wilson’s Warbler, Swainson’s 

Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, 

Hairy Woodpecker, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Marbled Murrelet and 

Northern Spotted Owl breed in the 

forest. 

AC

Sponsor: Florence Area 

Hospitality Association

94. Cleawox Lake

From Hwy 101 in Florence, drive S 

3 mi, and turn W (R) into Honeyman 

State Park.

Nestled in the popular and busy Honeyman State Park, Cleawox Lake is 

a natural freshwater dune lake bordered by mature mixed forest and 

shrubs. The 87-acre lake allows birders to see Common Loon, Great Blue 

Heron, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, and 

occasionally Green Heron and Wood 

Duck.

ABCDEFG

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

95. Woahink Lake

From Hwy 101 in Florence, drive S 

3 mi, turn E on Canary Rd, then R to 

enter Woahink Day Use Area.

Managed as part of Honeyman State 

Park, this lake is flanked by dense 

shrubs, a beach and mature forest as 

well as private land. An endangered 

species of pitcher plant (Darlingtonia 

californica) grows in a bog within the 

park. Hike the trails around the lake 

to see Canada Goose, Osprey, Belted 

Kingfisher, Pied-billed Grebe, Greater 

Scaup, and an abundance of forest 

songbirds. 

ABCDEFG

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

96. Siltcoos Lake

From Hwy 101 in Florence, drive S 

7 mi to MP 198, and turn E (L) into 

parking lot.

Hike up to three miles of trail rated 

moderately difficult, and view the 

lake where an abundance of Oregon’s coastal population of American 

Coot winter. Dabbling ducks can 

number in the thousands and include 

Mallard, Northern Pintail, and Greenwinged Teal.

ACDEFG 

Sponsor: Convention and Visitors 

Association of Lane County

97. Lagoon Trail

From Hwy 101 in Florence, drive S 

7 mi, turn W (R) into Siltcoos Recreation area and Lagoon trailhead.

Hike this short 1⁄2 mile loop trail that 

parallels an oxbow of the Siltcoos 

River. The trail winds through shore 

pine forest and has a viewing platform overlooking a marsh that harbors American Bittern, Green Heron, 

Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Sora, 

and Red-winged Blackbird. Beaver 

and nutria can be seen swimming. 

ABCDEFG

Sponsor: Oregon Coast Visitors 

Association

98. Taylor Dunes Trail

From Hwy 101 in Florence, drive S 

7.5 mi to MP 198.7 and turn W (R), 

and park. 

Part of Siuslaw National Forest, the 

trail makes a 1-mile loop with great 

vistas of Taylor Lake, mature coastal forest, deflation plains, and active 

sand dunes. The trail connects with 

Carter Dunes Trail to culminate at 

a sandy beach. Turkey Vulture soar 

above the beach. In summer Osprey, 

Tree and Violet Green Swallow, and 

Cedar Waxwing are common. Darkeyed Junco, Fox and White-crowned 

Sparrow, and Spotted Towhee are 

present fall-winter.

ABCDEFG

Sponsor: National Forest 

Foundation

Violet-green Swallow

PHOTO BY: RICHARD Cronberg

Pacific-slope Flycatcher

PHOTO BY: Lois Miller

•	25 years Professional Experience

•	Educational Travel

•	Natural History Interpretation

•	Check Website for Schedules Tours

•	Custom Trips Available

E-mail or phone us for more info: cju@oregonfast.net

www.coastaljourneysunlimited.com

PO Box 2990, Florence, OR 97439

(541) 902-8473
27

Sea Lion Caves

541-997-3128

FLORENCE AREA

ASSOCIATION

Hospitality MERCHANTS

OLDTOWN

OF

Find what you’re 

looking for amidst 

Florence’s many adventures!

Wilsons Warbler – By Lois Miller

Common loon – by Richard Cronberg

Osprey – By Don Munson

PACIFIC Wren – By Kevin Smith