About Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to protect migrating birds and their habitat at a time when many estuaries and shallow water bays were being destroyed in the name of progress. The refuge has grown to encompass diverse ecosystems including salt marsh, mud flats, forest, freshwater wetlands, streams, grasslands, coastal dunes and beaches. This rich mix of habitats provide places for over 200 bird species to rest, nest and winter, including over 30 species of waterfowl (ducks and geese) and over 30 species of shorebirds. Other animals such as chum salmon, Roosevelt elk, and over a dozen species of amphibians benefit from the protection of the Refuge, and the care of dedicated refuge and partner staff, and other friends of wildlife, like you!The refuge has locations at various areas around Willapa Bay; from Leadbetter Point at the tip of Long Beach Peninsula, to the South Bay which encompasses various Tarlatt, Porter Point, and more, to Cutthroat Creek along the East Bay, and lastly Long Island in the southeast corner of Willapa Bay. Each of these locations offer different habitats, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
How to Get There
The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters is located in the coastal town of Long Beach, WA, off of Highway 101. Please be advised that navigation services are not necessarily reliable. We suggest confirming it is taking you to the correct address before proceeding. Access to the headquarters building is only available by way of Sandridge Road to 67th Place. Download a map with directions here.Please see the "Visit Us" page for trail and recreational activity information. Tarlatt Slough and South Bay Trails: From Sandridge Road take 95th Place east. Parking is available at end of road along the right side.Porter Point Loop Trail: From Sandridge Road take 67th Place east. Parking is available at the end of the road (approx. 2.5mi) in the lower parking lot at the Headquarters.Art Trail & Cutthroat Climb Trail: Located near mile marker 24 on Highway 101.Long Island Boat Launch: Located near mile marker 24 on Highway 101.Leadbetter Point: The northern most portion of the Long Beach Peninsula is accessed via Pacific Ave (State Highway 103) north to Stackpole Road north in Ocean Park, WA. A parking lot is available at the northern end of Stackpole Road (approximately 20 mi/31.2 km from Hwy-101). A Discover Pass is required for parking at this location, as the lot is managed by and shared with Washington State Parks.Visit our "Trails" page for more information on hiking-specific access.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Willapa 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 Willapa National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1673) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Willapa National Wildlife Refuge?
The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters is located in the coastal town of Long Beach, WA, off of Highway 101. Please be advised that navigation services are not necessarily reliable. We suggest confirming it is taking you to the correct address before proceeding. Access to the headquarters building is only available by way of Sandridge Road to 67th Place. Download a map with directions h…
How do I contact Willapa National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 360-484-3482 or email: willapa@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
