A day out on the coast or along the Columbia River is always a day well spent. From Jewell to Long Beach, Washington, there are a variety of spots to view creatures on land or at sea, including several wildlife refuges and sanctuaries.

In Washington state, visitors to the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge and the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer can easily view birds, deer and other wildlife. In Oregon, the Twilight Eagle Sanctuary makes for a fun trip to view eagles by the Columbia. To the east, the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge makes for an inspiring kayak trip. Further south, the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is great for elk watching.

So grab your camera, binoculars and a rain jacket: it’s time to go wildlife watching!

Twilight Eagle Sanctuary

Located off U.S. Highway 30 near Astoria, the Twilight Eagle Sanctuary makes for a fantastic place to get out of the car for a quick stretch.

The sanctuary, also known as Twilight Marsh, makes up about 76 acres of undeveloped land. The marsh is located next to two more conservation areas, making for a total of about 103 acres of undeveloped land. Eagles as well as other birds, fish and sea lions enjoy the area.

Though the sanctuary is massive, only a small area is open to the public. To see the sanctuary, head to the viewing platform along Burnside Loop. This is the only place where the public is allowed to visit the sanctuary. Luckily, the site is a great viewpoint, especially with a pair of binoculars. On a sunny day, you’ll likely be able to see different birds and other critters, even from the platform. On a gray day, you’ll still be able to see the mudflats and wetlands, plus views of Washington state and the Columbia River.

Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge

Kayakers will find their bliss at the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning about 27 miles from just outside Tongue Point to south of Skamokawa, Washington, the refuge, opened in 1972 with a goal of preserving fish and wildlife habitat, includes 35,000 acres of river, islands and sandbars.

Some short walks can be enjoyed from the refuge’s boat ramp areas: John Day and Aldrich Point in Oregon and Skamokawa Vista Park in Washington. The islands are only a short distance away from the boat ramps. Waters along these islands are generally calm, making for a safe, enjoyable trip.

Consider visiting the refuge during bird migration seasons to see a diverse array of birds. Eagles are often spotted year-round throughout the refuge, as are sea lions, seals, beavers, deer and river otters.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Clatsop County has a jewel of its own in the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area.

The refuge was established in 1969 and is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The protected habitat has grown to encompass just over 1,100 acres.

On a nice day, visitors can see bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, owls, coyotes, bobcats, elk, deer and more. But even on rainy and cloudy days, the area is great for birdwatching. Many bird feeders are placed alongside places to sit.

November through April is the best time of year to see elk but birds can be seen year-round. A state Fish and Wildlife parking permit is required.

The area also offers a handful of spots for drivers to pull off from state Highway 202 to park and watch wildlife. Some spots are perfect for staying in the car but if you can, it’s worth getting out even for a short walk. Many parking spots feature memorials for those who have helped to protect the area, plus information about the surroundings and which animals can be seen.

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer

Wildlife watching is a must when visiting Cathlamet and Skamokawa in Washington. Both of these small towns are rich in nature, with many spots to watch birds, deer and other animals.

Established in the 1970s after a small group of Columbian white-tailed deer were found in the area, the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge shouldn’t be missed. The refuge honors Hansen, who was the second woman and first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Washington state. At the time of the refuge’s establishment, the Columbian white-tailed deer were listed as federally endangered, and the species is considered threatened today, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

To access the refuge, head out of Skamokawa toward Cathlamet. When you see the signs for the refuge, you can pull off, park your car and either sit or go for a walk. If you’re up for braving the wind, make sure to get a view of the Columbia River from the refuge. You might even spot another critter or two!

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is another fantastic place to go for birdwatchers.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the refuge in Washington state in 1937 in an effort to protect the habitats of migrating birds.

More than 200 species visit the refuge each year, including dozens of shorebirds. The refuge is also home to elk, salmon, river otters, black bears, black-tailed deer, porcupine and raccoons.

Many land-locked animals live on Long Island, a large island known for its 900-plus-year-old western red cedar trees, hiking trails and camping. The island is reachable only by boat, making it a popular destination for kayakers and canoers.

This portion of the refuge is also home to the refuge’s art trail, featuring public art depicting wildlife and history of the Pacific Northwest.

The Willapa refuge also reaches to the Long Beach Peninsula’s northern tip. To explore the tip of the peninsula, head to the refuge’s headquarters on 67th Place off Sandridge Road. After visiting, keep heading north toward Tarlatt Unit and Leadbetter Unit, also known as Leadbetter Point State Park. Both spots are great for hiking and viewing wildlife. Reach Tarlatt via 95th Place or 85th Place from Sandridge Road, or Leadbetter by traveling north to Stackpole Road. A Washington state Discover Pass is needed to park at Leadbetter.