Birdwatching in Oregon: Top Locations for 2025
With the dawn breaking over the foggy Cascades, let’s take flight across the Beaver State and explore the best spots for birdwatching by the year 2025. From the rustling sea grass of the Oregon Coast, through the feathery whispers of the Willamette Valley, to the eagle-eyed views of the High Desert, Oregon promises to deliver unforgettable vistas and sightings for both amateur birdwatchers and professional ornithologists.1. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County
The Pacific Flyway migratory route offers a birdwatching bonanza, and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is its crown jewel. Spanning 187,000 acres, it’s a haven for over 340 bird species. Sip a cup of Harney County’s famous hot elderberry cider while spotting sandhill cranes and pelicans. Come spring, warbler-watch in the shady refuge of Diamond Craters.2. Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Albany
Just a stone’s throw away from Albany, the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge boasts a bird list beyond 200 species. Established to provide habitat for wintering geese, it’s a paradise for waterfowl and birders alike. Hike the Rail Trail for a reliable sight of greater white-fronted geese.3. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Newport
Newport’s Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a coastal gem. The misty cliffs provide a safe haven for common murres and the occasional tufted puffin. Check out Cobble Beach’s tide pools before heading to the lighthouse for a bird’s-eye view of passing whale pods.
4. Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, Tillamook
Tillamook’s Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, cloaked in the haunting beauty of Sitka spruces and dramatic coastal vistas, offers unparalleled seabird viewing. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons as you walk along the Octopus Tree trail.5. Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond
Once a primary military defense installation, Hammond’s Fort Stevens now serves as a peaceful refuge for avian critters. Explore Coffenbury Lake’s five-mile loop, a hotspot for dabbling ducks and great horned owls.6. Mount Tabor, Portland
Uncover an urban oasis at Portland’s Mount Tabor Park, a hotspot for birdwatching and picnicking alike. Don’t be surprised if a northern flicker or a Cooper’s hawk stops by while you’re enjoying a sesame cardamom donut from the city’s beloved Blue Star Donuts.7. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Sherwood
Nestled right next to Sherwood, Tualatin River Refuge is home to many rare, year-round inhabitants. Spot northern pintails and cinnamon teals while meandering through riparian forests, seasonal wetlands, and grassy uplands.8. Crater Lake National Park, Klamath County
Within Klamath County’s vast wilderness, the awe-inspiring Crater Lake National Park provides a backdrop like no other. Watch for the pine grosbeak against the deep azure of the lake. Don’t forget a hearty breakfast at the Klamath Basin Brewery to fuel your adventure.9. Silver Falls State Park, Silverton
One sight of Silverton’s sparkling waterfalls paired with a symphony of chirping birds, and you’ll know why it’s dubbed the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system. Emerald trails buzz with the flitting and chirping of rufous hummingbirds.10. Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, Reedsport
Finally, head south to Reedsport’s Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. Not only for elk, this marshy haven draws a range of birds to its lush pastures. Enjoy the sight of red-tailed hawks and belted kingfishers while sipping locally brewed coffee from Reedsport’s Highland Falls Coffee Shop.Oregon with its evergreen grandeur and feathery inhabitants never ceases to welcome and surprise us. Ready your binoculars and birding journals, for 2025 is giving us the perfect excuse to marvel at the fluttering wings against the setting sun of our majestic Oregon. From dawn to dusk, in every season, there is nothing quite like the thrill of birdwatching in the Beaver State. Happy birding, Oregon!