Geologically young, these unstable islands were created in the last 300 years by silt washing down the Mississippi River. On the Gulf of Mexico side of the islands you'll find low sandy beaches tapering into a maze of ponds, inlets, and saltwater marshes. Hundreds of thousands of seabirds use these islands as nesting and wintering habitat. Endangered brown pelicans have made a dramatic return under careful refuge management. Camping is allowed, but you must remain more than 200 yards from bird colonies.
Human visitors are common, sometimes coming for bird watching but primarily for surf fishing.
Almost all of the refuge is designated Wilderness.