Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife refuge at Pacific coast in Monterey County, United States

Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge is a protected coastal area featuring wetlands, sand dunes, and salt marshes where the river meets Monterey Bay. The landscape includes a river lagoon that supports diverse habitats and wildlife in close proximity.

The refuge received federal protection in 1974 to support migratory bird management along the Pacific Flyway. This designation recognized the coast's role as a vital stopover point for birds traveling between North and South America.

Birders come to watch the refuge's seasonal migrants, including the California brown pelican, a species that nests on the Channel Islands and ranges along the Pacific coast. The refuge was established in 1974 for its value in the national migratory bird management program, and its dunes, salt marsh and lagoon are used by birds during breeding, wintering and migration.

Two main trails offer access to different areas of the refuge, with one heading toward the ocean and the other following the river. Both paths are relatively short and allow visitors to explore at a leisurely pace.

The refuge's 367 acres lie on Pleistocene dune deposits and clay, with sand beneath the clay along the riverbanks. The site was protected in 1974 for its value to the national migratory bird management program, and federal authorities routinely test water quality here.