Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge in Hoquiam, Washington, US.

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area at the mouth of the Chehalis River featuring tidal flats, salt marshes, and open water. The site spans more than 1,400 acres and provides varied habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The refuge was established in 1988 through Congressional authorization after environmental advocates pushed for habitat protection in the 1980s. This action recognized the site's importance for bird migration and secured its preservation for future generations.

The name comes from the natural harbor that forms along the coast. Visitors can watch thousands of birds resting and feeding here during migration seasons as they prepare for their long journeys.

The refuge is reached from Airport Way in Hoquiam, where a paved route leads to the Sandpiper Trail boardwalk and its observation points over the tidal flats. Spring and fall bring the largest shorebird numbers, with up to a million birds staging in the estuary. The boardwalk is the accessible option for viewing.

The site lies along the Pacific Flyway, one of North America's major bird migration routes, where up to one million birds gather during passage. This concentration of migratory birds makes it one of the best viewing spots on the American West Coast.