Siletz Bay NWR in Oregon

Trip Overview

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has a series of guided tours of a portion of the refuge. All easy class 1. They are scheduled to coincide with the tide so even the short stretch up river is easy. The FWS guides point out the wildlife, sights, and history along the roughly 3 mile tour. We had about 15 people in about 10 craft -- a mix of kayaks and canoes, with paddlers of all abilities and experience levels.

From the launch point we headed down a slough to the river, up river about a mile, then up another slough, back to the first slough and to the starting point. Guides gave a running commentary almost the whole way talking about birds and history and refuge factoids. So try and stay close to the guides.

Call for reservations. We heard they were all booked up through 2008.

The Refuge staffers requested everyone clean their gear, shoes, and craft at the launch point after the tour. They had a cleaning solution available. The New Zeeland Mud Snail(?) is in the area and they wish to control its spread to other non-infected waters.

Accommodations:

Primitive launch point. Hidden by shrubbery from the road. No sanitation facilities on site, but there is a nice state beach side picnic area about 5 miles south along 101 with restrooms and water for washing up.

Fees:

None. Reservations required.

Directions:

Off 101 just south of the Siletz River bridge. Detailed directions are on the website.

Resources:

Refuge web site