Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Part of the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Nestucca Bay NWR is a collection of properties near Pacific City that provides pastures for wintering waterfowl and protects various upland and wetland habitats.

The only unit currently open to the public is Cannery Hill. From US 101 about six miles south of Pacific City, turn west onto Christensen Road. Follow this road up to the parking lot, where there is a restroom and visitor information.

The lower parking lot overlooks several pastures. These are home to several subspecies of geese from October to April. Ten percent of the world’s population of Dusky Canada Geese winter here. The entire population of Semidi Island Aleutian Cackling Geese graze on similar pastures on the north edge of Pacific City, property recently acquired by the refuge.

From the parking lot, walk up the gravel road through mixed woodland and brushy habitats. At the top of the hill is another small parking lot (for those who can’t walk up), and a paved trail to an observation deck.

From the top of the hill, you can see Haystack Rock, with Pacific City on the right, and views of the river and beach below. Check the grassland habitat on the hill for Western Meadowlark, Western Bluebird, and other open-country species.