Birding Near Coos Bay - Charleston

South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (South Slough NERR) is 4,800 acres encompassing a mixture of open water channels, tidal and freshwater wetlands, riparian areas, and forested uplands. Take a walk through the woodlands to view Winter Wren, Wrentit, Spotted Towhee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Violet-green Swallow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Red Crossbill (among others). There is a boardwalk through the marsh that offers sightings of Greater Yellowlegs, Great Egret, Bufflehead, Double-crested Cormorant, Osprey, White-tailed Kite, and Bald Eagle

The Interpretive Center offers exhibits, educational programs, trail guides, and bird checklists.

The reserve is located on Seven Devils Road between Charleston and US 101.

For more information about the South Slough NERR, visit their website.

Charleston, OR

Bluebill Lake Trail

Bluebill Lake Trail is an easy 1 & 1/4 mile hike around Bluebill Lake. The forty-acre lake is dry much of the year, but the hike offers ample opportunities to view wetland habitat. The hike is located next to Bluebill Campground.

Directions: From Coos Bay / North Bend, proceed north on route 101 for 1.5 miles. From Reedsport, proceed south for 22 miles. Turn west at the Horsfall Dunes and Beach road sign at Jordan Cove Road and proceed 1 mile, turning right on Transpacific Highway. Travel 100 feet, turning right on Horsfall Beach Road. Travel 1 & 1/2 miles down Horsfall Beach Road to a left turn.