a forest filled with lots of tall trees

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Oregon · West

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - midnight

About This Location

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, and Common Merganser among many others. The diverse terrain supports both resident specialties and Pacific Flyway migrants throughout the year.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/15/2026Brown's Ferry Park1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/14/2026Sherwood--Baker Rd.--45.31551, -122.819802 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

7/14/2026Tualatin River NWR1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/14/2026Broughton Beach1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/13/2026Home

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/12/202614309 NW 8th Ct, Vancouver US-WA (45.7255,-122.6784)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/12/2026NE Sundial Rd.--Company Lake2 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/10/2026SW Trail Place1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

7/8/2026Milwaukie Riverfront Park (previously Jefferson St. Boat Launch)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/7/2026Mt. Tabor Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

37/15/2026

Wood Duck

47/15/2026

Gadwall

27/15/2026

Mallard

37/15/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/15/2026

Green Heron

17/15/2026

Great Egret

27/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/15/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/15/2026

Brown Creeper

17/15/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/15/2026

American Robin

27/15/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

17/15/2026

Spotted Towhee

37/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/15/2026

American Crow

7/15/2026

Bushtit

7/15/2026

Purple Finch

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Early mornings provide the best light and bird activity along the coast.

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge include Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Pied-billed Grebe, Anna's Hummingbird, American Crow, Bushtit, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Golden-crowned Sparrow. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - midnight.
What amenities are available at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge?
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.