About Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1983, Bandon Marsh NWR is located along the picturesque southern Oregon coast near the mouth of the Coquille River and the city of Bandon. Its invertebrate-rich mudflats fuel the migration of tens of thousands of shorebirds every spring and fall, making it an important stopover site along the Pacific Flyway. Young salmon and trout find sanctuary in the estuary's steep-banked tidal channels and anchored driftwood.The freshwater and intertidal marshes, forested wetlands, grasslands, and upland forest of Bandon Marsh NWR are the ancestral home of the Coquille Indian Tribe, whose members reside in the area and continue to use and enjoy the many resources of the Refuge.
How to Get There
The Bandon Marsh Unit is accessible from boat launches at the Port of Bandon, and by vehicle off of Riverside Drive, which connects Highway 101 and scenic downtown Bandon. From US Highway 101 just north of Bandon, turn west onto Riverside Drive and park in the refuge parking lot on the west side of the road. The Ni-les'tun Unit is one quarter mile upstream from the Bandon Marsh Unit, along the north bank of the Coquille River on North Bank Lane.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Bandon Marsh 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 Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1287) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
The Bandon Marsh Unit is accessible from boat launches at the Port of Bandon, and by vehicle off of Riverside Drive, which connects Highway 101 and scenic downtown Bandon. From US Highway 101 just north of Bandon, turn west onto Riverside Drive and park in the refuge parking lot on the west side of the road. The Ni-les'tun Unit is one quarter mile upstream from the Bandon Marsh Unit, along the nor…
How do I contact Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-347-1470 or email: oregoncoast@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
