Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge encompasses 1,471 acres of intertidal flats, salt marshes, and open water at the mouth of the Chehalis River in Grays Harbor Estuary.

Environmental advocates led efforts in the 1980s to protect shorebird habitats, resulting in Congressional authorization of the refuge establishment in 1988.

The Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival brings together naturalists and visitors to observe migratory birds through field trips, presentations, and educational workshops.

Visitors can access the Sandpiper Trail from Airport Way parking area, walking one-third mile on a blacktop road to reach observation points.

Up to one million shorebirds, including western sandpipers and dunlins, gather at this Pacific Flyway staging area during spring and fall migrations.

Location: Washington

Part of: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex

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

GPS coordinates: 46.97390,-123.93100

Latest update: March 14, 2025 18:47