About Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge
Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge was set aside "to provide habitat for a broad diversity of bird species, with particular emphasis on protecting the nesting habitat of the bald eagle, tufted puffin, rhinoceros auklet, pigeon guillemot, and pelagic cormorant; to protect the hauling-out area of harbor seals; and to provide for scientific research and wildlife-oriented public education and interpretation".The effects of years of human use are still evident on Protection Island in roads that scar the land, invasive species that compete for key nutrients, and dilapidated structures no longer in use. The current management practices work to reverse these depredations through removal of unused roads and structures, invasive species management, and an increased effort to restore healthy habitats to encourage native plant diversity. Additionally, the Refuge is managed to decrease the ongoing impingement of human activities including efforts to reduce the risk of oil spills, clean up marine debris, and educate boaters about minimizing human-caused wildlife disturbance. The health of the island’s wildlife populations and the effects management activities have on those populations is continuously monitored through periodic surveys.
How to Get There
Protection Island Refuge is located at the mouth of Discovery Bay in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The island is closed to the public to protect nesting seabirds and harbor seals. Private boat tours around the island are available from nearby marinas.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Protection Island 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 Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2174) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Protection Island Refuge is located at the mouth of Discovery Bay in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The island is closed to the public to protect nesting seabirds and harbor seals. Private boat tours around the island are available from nearby marinas.
How do I contact Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 360-457-8451 or email: fw1wamaritime@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
