About Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
This 367-acre coastal National Wildlife Refuge is located where the Salinas River empties into Monterey Bay. The refuge is roughly triangular in shape with the Pacific Ocean forming the western border, the Salinas River forming the northeast border, and the southern border running adjacent to privately owned parcels of land. Refuge lands include a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including coastal dunes and beach, grasslands, a saline pond and salt marsh, and riparian habitats. Because of its location within the Pacific Flyway, the refuge is used by a variety of migratory birds during breeding, wintering, and migration periods. The refuge also provides habitat for several threatened and endangered species. The threatened western snowy plover, just six inches tall, lays its eggs in simple scrapes on the sparsely vegetated foredunes of the refuge, as well as other beaches and salt pannes in California. And the endangered Smith's blue butterfly makes its home in the buckwheat patches found blooming throughout the backdunes.
How to Get There
From Monterey: Go north on U.S. Highway 1 approximately 11 miles to exit 412 for Del Monte Blvd. (first exit after Reservation Rd.) Go left on Del Monte which becomes a dirt road. The dirt road ends in the refuge parking lot. From Castroville: Go south on U.S. Highway 1 approximately 3 miles to exit 412 for Marina/Del Monte Blvd. Go right on Del Monte Blvd. which becomes a dirt road. The dirt road ends in the refuge parking lot.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1590) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge?
From Monterey: Go north on U.S. Highway 1 approximately 11 miles to exit 412 for Del Monte Blvd. (first exit after Reservation Rd.) Go left on Del Monte which becomes a dirt road. The dirt road ends in the refuge parking lot. From Castroville: Go south on U.S. Highway 1 approximately 3 miles to exit 412 for Marina/Del Monte Blvd. Go right on Del Monte Blvd. which becomes a dirt road. The dirt road…
How do I contact Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 510-792-0222 or email: sfbaynwrc@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
