The Southern Oregon Coast offers a fantastic opportunity to observe diverse and captivating wildlife in natural habitats. From the rugged cliffs and rocky shores to the picturesque dunes and marshlands, this breathtaking region has lots to offer wildlife enthusiasts. Discover some of the best wildlife watching spots on the Southern Oregon Coast so that you can plan an unforgettable adventure.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12 mile stretch of the Oregon Coast that provides a stunning backdrop for observing a wide range of wildlife species. This area features dense forests, soaring cliffs, and secluded beaches, making it an ideal habitat for numerous marine animals and bird species.

As you walk along the corridor, keep an eye out for harbor seals, sea lions, and gray whales, which can often be spotted from the shore. The area is also home to various bird species, including black oystercatchers, western gulls, and common murres. During the spring and fall migration seasons, the corridor is a prime location for spotting a variety of raptors and other migratory birds.

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Situated along the Coquille River, the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for a diverse range of bird species. The marsh is one of the largest remaining estuarine habitats on the Oregon Coast, providing essential breeding and feeding grounds for many birds.

One of the highlights of visiting the Bandon Marsh is the opportunity to observe the elegant Aleutian cackling geese, which use the refuge as a rest stop during their migration. Other species to look out for include the great blue heron, snowy egret, and various species of ducks and shorebirds. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and a camera to capture the beauty of these majestic creatures.

Cape Blanco State Park

Cape Blanco State Park, located on a stunning headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is another popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts exploring the Southern Oregon Coast. The park features a diverse range of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands, and rocky shores, making it an excellent location for wildlife watching.

While exploring the park, you might encounter black tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, and other mammals grazing in the meadows or sheltering in the forests. The park is also a prime location for birdwatching, with several species of raptors, seabirds, and songbirds calling Cape Blanco home. During the winter months, keep an eye on the ocean for gray whales migrating along the coastline.

Cape Arago

Cape Arago, located just south of Coos Bay, is a fantastic destination for wildlife watching on the Southern Oregon Coast. The area features a variety of habitats, including rocky intertidal zones, sandy beaches, and lush coastal forests, providing a home to an array of marine and terrestrial wildlife.

A great spot in Cape Arago is the Simpson Reef and Shell Island, which serve as a resting and breeding ground for harbor seals, California sea lions, and Steller sea lions. During the spring and summer months, you can often observe these marine mammals lounging on the rocks and diving in the water. Cape Arago is also an excellent location for birdwatching, with numerous seabird species nesting on the offshore rocks, including common murres, tufted puffins, and pelagic cormorants.

Shore Acres State Park

Shore Acres State Park, located near Cape Arago, is another fantastic destination for wildlife watching on the Southern Oregon Coast. The park is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens and rugged cliffs, which provide a unique combination of habitats for various wildlife species.

The park’s coastal forests are home to black tailed deer, raccoons, and other small mammals, while the rocky shores attract harbor seals and sea lions. During the winter months, Shore Acres State Park is a prime location for spotting migrating gray whales. In addition, the park’s cliffs and offshore rocks provide nesting sites for several seabird species, including cormorants, gulls, and pigeon guillemots.

Come see all that the Southern Oregon Coast has to offer and stop by to say hello to the agents at Coastal Sotheby’s International Realty. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, we’ve got you covered.