Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge

Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge sits on a coastal rock formation off California, protecting marine mammals and breeding seabirds in a rocky habitat. The site spans a small but significant area that rises prominently from the ocean.

The refuge was established as a protected area in 1979 when the Fish and Wildlife Service took over management to safeguard breeding colonies. This action secured the site for marine animals and seabirds.

The Tolowa people historically harvested shellfish and seaweed and hunted marine mammals in these waters using seagoing canoes. Visitors today can sense this connection to the sea and these traditions while watching from the public overlook.

The public overlook along Pebble Beach Drive in Crescent City offers the best viewing experience with spotting scopes available for observing wildlife. This location provides comfortable access without needing to visit the protected rock itself.

The refuge hosts one of the largest seabird colonies south of Alaska, with hundreds of thousands of birds breeding on the rocks. Common murres make up the bulk of this population, yet puffins and other species add variety to the scene.

Location: California

Inception: 1979

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/castle_rock

GPS coordinates: 41.76178,-124.24952

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03