Birdwatching in Oregon: Top Locations for 2025
Birdwatching isn’t just a hobby here in Oregon – it’s a way of life. Our state – with its stunning coastline, vast forests, and mountain wildernesses – is a veritable paradise for our feathered friends and those who love them. So pack a lunch, grab your binoculars, and whip out your birder’s checklist. Here are the top 10 birdwatching locations you need to visit in 2025.1. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
Situated in the southeast corner of the state, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a top-tier birding spot all year round. It’s the spring migratory season, though, when the refuge really comes to life. Sandhill cranes, white-faced ibises, and a myriad of ducks and geese flock to the wetlands. And don’t forget to stop by the refuge’s headquarters off Highway 205 – the cottonwood trees there are a hotspot for owls.2. Klamath Wildlife Area
Split between the Miller Island Unit and the Shoalwater Bay Unit, the Klamath Wildlife Area is packed to the rafters with bird-watching opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles in winter, especially near the Klamath River Overlook. For a birdwatching adventure with a side of fishing, plan a trip around the fall salmon run.3. Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
West of Tillamook, Cape Meares offers up views of magnificent cliffs and the Pacific Ocean, where pelagic birds such as murres and tufted puffins make their roosts. The lighthouse present on site only adds to the charm. Remember to time your visit just right – spring and early summer are prime for spotting puffins.
4. Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
Skirting Salem in Willamette Valley, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is a birder’s paradise. It’s not unusual to spot herons, egrets, and wood ducks here. The Pintail and Egret Marsh Boardwalk, a compact trail just off Buena Vista Road, offers up-close-and-personal viewing spots.5. South Jetty at Fort Stevens State Park
The South Jetty at Fort Stevens is a great shout for seabird enthusiasts. Gulls, terns, murres, and a host of other seabirds are regular visitors. Opt for a weekday visit during spring or fall migration season for fewer crowds and a tranquil birdwatching experience.6. Steens Mountain Wilderness
A somewhat hidden gem, the Steens Mountain Wilderness’s vast landscape of sagebrush and aspen makes it a natural magnet for an array of bird species. From sage grouse to juniper titmouse, this location is gold for those willing to clamber up the trails.7. Portland’s Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
A perfect blend of urban and wildlife, Press’s Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a freshwater marsh thriving with songbirds, waterfowl, and even bald eagles. The Springwater Corridor Trail on the refuge’s east side is your best bet for a peaceful birding walk.8. Upper and Lower Table Rock
Just north of Medford, these volcanic plateaus offer prime birding locations along with stunning hikes. Visit in the spring when flowers are in full bloom and you might see acorn woodpeckers, Oregon vesper sparrows, and a dizzying array of other bird species.9. Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
Don’t let the name deceive you, this refuge is a treasure trove for pronghorn antelope and birdwatchers alike. This high desert basin houses species like the sage grouse and greater sandhill crane. Look out for raptors soaring overhead on the refuge’s Warner Peak Trail.10. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Round out your birdwatching tour at Yaquina Head on the Newport coast. Here, murres, gulls, and cormorants commune with gray whales and sea lions. Remember to check out the interpretive center for insightful exhibits on Oregon’s coastal birds and marine life.Oregon’s myriad of habitats ensures an endless array of bird species for you to encounter. Head to these spectacular locations to experience the best the state has to offer in 2025. From the mountains to the marshes, from the forests to the coast, each unique landscape plays host to an unforgettable birdwatching adventure. Go forth, fellow birders, and revel in the winged wonders of our beloved Oregon.