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The salt marsh salt marsh
Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.
Learn more about salt marsh , brackish marsh, tidal sloughs, mudflats, and coniferous and deciduous forestland of Siletz Bay NWR offer unparalleled estuarine habitat for a wealth of plant and animal species, most of which are observable to even casual visitors. Hike the trail, fish from the banks, or take a paddle. For an in-depth look at this Refuge, consider paddling a kayak or canoe up its sinuous creeks and channels. Twice-daily tides ebb and flow across the estuary, constantly altering the landscape and influencing its inhabitants.
Activities
Visitor activities at the Refuge
- HIKE the the Alder Island Nature Trail
- PHOTOGRAPH Great Blue Herons and other birds
- PADDLE in the bay and tidal sloughs
- FISH along the banks for salmon
- HUNT waterfowl seasonally in designated areas
Trails
The Alder Island Nature Trail is a short (0.6 mile), easy walking trail that winds along the Siletz River and Millport Slough.
The surface is natural soils and gravel. It's open from sunrise to sunset and is a wonderful place to look for songbirds and waterfowl.
Access the trailhead by turning east off of U.S. Highway 101 onto Millport Slough Lane and into the refuge parking lot.
Dogs are prohibited on the nature trail.
- Typical Grade: 2.2%
- Max Grade: 11.7%
- Route type: Lollipop
- Surface: Asphalt, Gravel, and Soil
- Typical width: 42 inches
- Minimum width: 27 inches
- Typical cross slope: 2.8%
- Max cross slope: 12.6%
- Bench location: 0.37 mi along the trail
Keys Nature Trail
- Length: 0.11 mi
- Typical Grade: 2.6%
- Max Grade: 16.3%
- Route type: Loop
- Surface: Duff and Vegetation
- Typical width: 34 inches
- Minimum width: 26 inches
- Typical cross slope: 4.1%
- Max cross slope: 8.1%
- Bench locations: No Benches
Millport Slough Access Trail
- Length: 0.07 mi
- Typical Grade: 17.6%
- Max Grade: 26.3%
- Route type: Out and back
- Surface: Duff
- Typical width: 33 inches
- Minimum width: 32 inches
- Typical cross slope: 4.1%
- Max cross slope: 12.7%
- Bench locations: No benches
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge is managed as one of six Refuges in the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. See below for the other five Refuges and experience them all.
Refuge Headquarters:
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex
2127 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport, OR 97365
541-867-4550
What is a Refuge Complex?
A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is a group of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are managed from one central office. Refuges are grouped into a complex because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs.
The Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex is managed from our headquarters in Newport, Oregon. The office located at Bandon Marsh NWR serves as a south-coast field office.
Rules and Policies
The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.
Access the Alder Island Nature Trail and walk-up boat launch from the refuge parking area, on the east side of Highway 101, just south of the Highway 229 junction.
This is a fee-free area.
Locations
Hours & Fees
Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. No overnight parking is allowed. There are no fees to use this refuge.
Pets
Pets are NOT allowed on Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge for the protection of wildlife and visitors.
Directions
Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located just south of Lincoln City along US Highway 101. Look for the refuge sign and turn east onto Millport Slough Lane into the refuge parking lot. GPS Coordinates are coordinates are 44°53’42.87”N 124°00’34.14”W.