Birdwatching in Oregon: Top Locations for 2025
Oregon, where majestic mountain ranges meet the breathtaking coastlines, is home to more than 500 bird species, from common gulls to rare condors. What makes Oregon exceptionally appealing is its diverse ecosystems – coastal beaches, alpine peaks, arid deserts and dense forests – which harbor unique avian inhabitants depending on the locale. Whether you’re a longtime local, a visiting birder, or a fledgling enthusiast, here’s the scoop on Oregon’s top birdwatching locations for 2025.1. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
Unquestionably, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Southeast Oregon is a must-visit. Its vast expanses of marshes, rivers, lakes, and fields attract many migratory birds. In spring, look for the famed Sandhill Cranes dancing at the refuge, often near Buena Vista Overlook.2. Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
Diverse species call Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge south of Salem their home. The boardwalk trail is quite popular, following it can make encounters with wintering sparrows and elusive Virginia Rails a breeze. Remember to take a stroll during dusk – it is a hotspot for Short-eared Owls.3. Newport
Down by Yaquina Head in Newport on the Oregon coast, landscape teems with migrating seabirds, waders, and raptors. Grab a crab roll at South Beach Fish Market after birding, it’s an Oregon classic.
4. Mount Hood’s Timberline Trail
If high-altitude birdwatching thrills you, hike along Mount Hood’s Timberline Trail. The surrounding forests are a playground for Mountain Chickadees, Gray Jays, and the elusive Three-toed Woodpecker.5. Clearwater Point, Lost Creek Lake
Southern Oregon’s Clearwater Point, located on the charming Lost Creek Lake, is another brilliant locale to catch glimpses of exceptional birds. Look for the Western Grebe, admired for its stunning diving ability.6. Smith Rock State Park
In Smith Rock State Park near Terrebonne, raptors such as Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles are commonplace. This is primarily due to the tall cliffs that provide copious nesting sites. Comb your eyes along the park’s Rim Rock Trail for the best views.7. Klamath Basin
The extensive wetlands of the Klamath Basin on the California border house thousands of waterbirds. If visiting in winter, remember to pack a thermos and enjoy the spectacle of a Bald Eagle frenzy – it hosts the largest winter population of eagles in the lower 48.8. Tillamook Bay
In Tillamook Bay, the paddling trails catch the serious birders’ attention. The cattail marshes in tracts of the Tillamook Bay Wetlands are home to scarce species like the secretive Virginia Rail and migrant Red Phalaropes. Don’t rush; take things at a paddling pace, you wouldn’t want to scare the birds off.9. The Columbia River Gorge
From Hood River to The Dalles, the Columbia River Gorge witnesses prolific bird migration each season. Hood River boasts the famous “Fruit Loop”, a scenic drive popular with those seeking lazuli bunting and western tanager sightings.10. Steens Mountain
And lastly, the rugged outdoors and sharp ravines of Steens Mountain make it an absolute birding gem. Summer is perfect as it becomes a refuge for migratory birds, especially the sagebrush-loving Sage Sparrow.Birdwatching in Oregon is a quest – from the deserts of the east to the marine of the west, with the mountains standing tall in between. With its extravagant feathered cast and unsculpted wild settings, Oregon is the theatre of choice for nature’s most colorful performers. Explore these spots in 2025, take the long view, and surely Oregon’s avian friends will reveal themselves to you. Happy birding!