The Coast Line: Best Birdwatching Trails on the Long Beach Peninsula

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Best Birdwatching Trails on the Long Beach Peninsula

2/11/2025 by Sora Blu

1. Leadbetter Point State Park

Located at the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula, Leadbetter Point is a birding paradise. The combination of salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, and beach dunes creates an ideal environment for spotting shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors.

  • Best birds to spot: Western snowy plovers, marbled godwits, great blue herons, bald eagles
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall migration seasons
  • Trail highlights: Leadbetter Point Trail offers stunning views of Willapa Bay and is great for spotting both coastal and woodland species.

2. Willapa National Wildlife Refuge – Tarlatt Slough Trail

The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best birding locations on the Washington coast. The Tarlatt Slough Trail provides easy access to tidal sloughs and open meadows where birdwatchers can observe wading birds and waterfowl up close.

  • Best birds to spot: Great egrets, northern pintails, green-winged teals, American bitterns
  • Best time to visit: Winter for waterfowl, spring for nesting birds
  • Trail highlights: Boardwalk paths offer a peaceful, immersive experience through the wetlands.

3. Cape Disappointment State Park – Bell’s View Trail

Cape Disappointment is a must-visit for birdwatchers who love a mix of coastal and forested habitats. The Bell’s View Trail winds through coastal Sitka spruce forest and leads to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River.

  • Best birds to spot: Peregrine falcons, common murres, pelagic cormorants, black oystercatchers
  • Best time to visit: Year-round, but fall and winter bring seabird activity along the coast
  • Trail highlights: High cliffs provide a vantage point for spotting seabirds and birds of prey.

4. Discovery Trail

Stretching for eight miles along the coast from Ilwaco to Long Beach, the Discovery Trail is perfect for spotting shorebirds, gulls, and seabirds. The trail runs through dunes and coastal meadows, offering spectacular birdwatching opportunities.

  • Best birds to spot: Sanderlings, dunlins, Caspian terns, harlequin ducks, seagulls, bald eagles
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall migration
  • Trail highlights: A relatively flat and accessible trail with many stopping points for bird observation.

5. Loomis Lake State Park

Loomis Lake, nestled within the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, is a tranquil spot perfect for birdwatching. Surrounded by coastal wetlands and grassy dunes, this freshwater lake attracts a variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and wading birds throughout the year.

  • Best birds to spot: Great blue herons, northern pintails, red-winged blackbirds, belted kingfishers, mallards, green-winged teals, buffleheads, gadwalls, Canada geese, cackling geese, snow geese
  • Best time to visit: Year-round, with peak bird activity in spring and fall
  • Trail highlights: Easy access to lakeside views and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for spotting birds in their natural habitat.

6. Willapa National Wildlife Refuge – Willapa Art Walk Trail

The Willapa Art Trail is a unique blend of nature and creativity, offering an immersive birdwatching experience enhanced by artistic installations inspired by the region’s rich ecology. This easy trail winds through wetlands and coastal forest, making it an excellent location for spotting a variety of birds.

  • Best birds to spot: Cedar waxwings, pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, northern flickers
  • Best time to visit: Spring and summer for vibrant bird activity and lush landscapes
  • Trail highlights: Interpretive art pieces along the trail provide insight into the local wildlife and habitat, making this a visually and intellectually engaging birdwatching destination.

Plan Your Birdwatching Adventure

The Long Beach Peninsula and Willapa Bay offer an incredible variety of bird habitats, making it a top destination for birdwatchers in Washington. Whether you’re scanning the tidepools for oystercatchers, spotting bald eagles perched along the dunes, or trekking through the forests of Cape Disappointment, there’s no shortage of avian wonders to discover.

Grab your binoculars and head out to experience the magic of birdwatching on the Long Beach Peninsula! Let us know your favorite birding spots and what rare species you’ve spotted during your hikes.

Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and never feeding them. Many species are protected, and regulations help safeguard local animals. Stay at least 100 yards from wildlife, and report injured wildlife to the appropriate authorities or rescue organizations.