Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex Willapa NWR, Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer, and Lewis & Clark NWR

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (where the Complex Headquarters is located) was established in 1937 and contains over 17,000 acres of tidelands, temperate forests, ocean beaches, sand dunes, and streams. The Refuge preserves habitat for spawning wild salmon, hundreds of thousands of migrating shorebirds, and threatened species such as the snowy plover and marbled murrelet. Lewis and Clark Nationa

l Wildlife Refuge was established in 1971 and includes approximately 20 islands stretching over 27 miles of the Columbia River, from the mouth upstream nearly to Skamakowa, WA. Although rarely visited by humans, people following in Lewis and Clark's footsteps (or paddles!) are discovering this little-known refuge. Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for Columbian White-tailed Deer was established in the 1971 to preserve habitat for the endangered Columbian white-tailed deer (CWT deer). The CWT deer, the only white-tailed deer found west of the Cascade Mountains, had been believed to be extinct since the 1930s. When a small remnant population was discovered in the early 1960s, the refuge was established to preserve the species.

Did you know dunes are the superheroes of our coasts? These sandy hills might look simple, but their plants and animals ...
08/26/2026

Did you know dunes are the superheroes of our coasts? These sandy hills might look simple, but their plants and animals are masters at thriving in tough conditions—think high winds, salty air, shifting sands, and soil with hardly any nutrients!

Western snowy plovers and streaked horned larks call dunes home, using them as safe nesting spots. Plus, dunes act like nature’s shield, protecting inland areas from powerful waves, erosion, and flooding during storms. You can see a beautiful example of these habitats along the Leadbetter trails at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Charisse Walker/USFWS

Come visit our brand new deck at the Julia Butler Hanson refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer! 🦌 Thanks to the ha...
08/14/2026

Come visit our brand new deck at the Julia Butler Hanson refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer! 🦌 

Thanks to the hard work of refuge staff, our MIFP fellow and refuge intern the old deck is gone and a new one is here overlooking refuge woodlands and fields.

Photos by Jake Bonello/USFWS

Roosevelt Elk of the Pacific NorthwestRoosevelt elk are the largest elk species in North America, and they’re a defining...
08/05/2026

Roosevelt Elk of the Pacific Northwest

Roosevelt elk are the largest elk species in North America, and they’re a defining presence in the Pacific Northwest’s coastal forests. These impressive animals are seen often at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

For your best chance at spotting them, head out early along the Tarlatt Slough Trail or explore the network of paths at Leadbetter Point. Roosevelt elk also roam widely across the Long Beach Peninsula. More often than not, you’ll see groups of cows (females) with their calves, as they typically travel together in small herds. Bulls (males) usually stay solitary or form loose bachelor groups, except during the fall breeding season when they become much more visible and vocal.

Photos by Charisse Walker/USFWS

Please note this burn ban for Long Island camping sites.
08/03/2026

Please note this burn ban for Long Island camping sites.

Watch Your Step, Chicks Ahead! When hiking, keep an eye out for one of Willapa’s most charming residents: the killdeer! ...
07/24/2026

Watch Your Step, Chicks Ahead!

When hiking, keep an eye out for one of Willapa’s most charming residents: the killdeer! These small shorebirds are easy to spot by the two black bands around their neck and their distinctive “killdeer” call.

Killdeer often nest on the ground, sometimes right along trails or in gravel areas. One pair recently raised chicks right outside of our refuge office, and with help from staff, the nest stayed safe and the adorable chicks are thriving. Can you spot them all?

Please admire killdeer and their nests from a distance, give them plenty of space, and enjoy your hike and birdwatching!

Photo by USFWS

Otterly Crabtivating Invasion Control 🦦🦀 (pardon our pun!)Today’s special: invasive European green crab, served shell-on...
07/22/2026

Otterly Crabtivating Invasion Control 🦦🦀 (pardon our pun!)

Today’s special: invasive European green crab, served shell-on with a side of seaweed.

This river otter isn’t just having lunch—it’s helping keep a troublesome invader in check, one crunchy crab at a time. No traps, no paperwork, no refuge staff helping on this one, just whiskers, teeth, and an otter-sized appetite.

Photo by FWS volunteer Roy W. Lowe

Come meet our ranger!Every Saturday, our refuge ranger Charisse will be setting up at trailheads at Willapa NWR and Juli...
07/20/2026

Come meet our ranger!

Every Saturday, our refuge ranger Charisse will be setting up at trailheads at Willapa NWR and Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer to answer your questions about our hiking trails, wildlife viewing, seasonal changes, and more.

Whether you're planning a family walk, hoping to spot coastal birds, or just curious about the refuge, stop by and say hello. We’d love to help you make the most of your visit to Willapa National Wildlife Refuge!

Upward Bound students getting crabby—in the best way!We had a fantastic visit from 12 Upward Bound Summer Academy studen...
07/14/2026

Upward Bound students getting crabby—in the best way!

We had a fantastic visit from 12 Upward Bound Summer Academy students and their two chaperones at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge recently. The group brought enthusiasm and curiosity to learning about invasive European green crabs. They were also able to do some hands-on work alongside our bio-tech team who love sharing their experience and skills in trapping these crabs.

Thanks to Matt Solberg for the images.

07/08/2026

Launch day at the nest box!

Wait for the cuteness! Wood Duck ducklings made their big leap into the world last month climbing up, quickly peeking out, and taking that tiny-but-mighty jump from their nest box. These little daredevils wasted no time following their parent to the nearest water.

This nest box on the refuge is monitored by one of our amazing volunteers as part of Project NestWatch, and supported by the generous backing of the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Thanks to them, we get a front-row seat to one of nature’s cutest success stories!

Curious about seeing a black bear in the wild? At Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, you just might have that curiosity m...
07/07/2026

Curious about seeing a black bear in the wild?

At Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, you just might have that curiosity met. Here we see one strolling the grounds just outside of the conference room at our headquarters office in Long Beach.

These large mammals are a sight to remember — if you spot one remember to stay back and give them space. Never approach a bear. Most black bears want to avoid you too and when they hear or see humans they’re usually going to move away.

We have posted at trailheads where bears are seen more often, heed the warnings.

Fun fact: black bears aren’t always black; they can be brown, cinnamon, or even blond! They’re omnivores so they'll eat everything from carrion to dandelion flowers.

Address

7112 67th Place
Long Beach, WA
98624

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4pm
Friday 7:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+13606423860

Website

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