Here in Washington, we’re fortunate to be able to view abundant wildlife in its natural habitat. Lush forests and scenic beaches provide ample opportunity for wildlife observation. The Evergreen State is blanketed in rivers, lakes, and shorelines teeming with native birds and sea life. Consequently, we have found a Wildlife Refuge in Hoquiam, where you can practically walk on water as you view some of the state’s most beautiful flora and fauna. Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is arguably the best wildlife refuge in Washington state, and we can’t disagree. 

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is located at the mouth of the Chehalis River in Hoquiam.
wildlife refuges in washington state
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, 1000 Airport Way, Hoquiam, WA 98550, USA
Jonathan Romero/Google Reviews
Established in 1988, the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge was created to conserve fish and wildlife populations.
Take a tranquil walk through an alder and cottonwood forest and listen to the resident songbirds.
Danita Delimont/ Gallo Images ROOTS RF collection via Getty Images
The Sandpiper Trail is a kid and wheelchair-friendly boardwalk that's relatively easy to navigate. The trail will take approximately 90 minutes to complete and offers spectacular views of native plants and wildlife.
Follow the Sandpiper boardwalk over the water to the salt marshes for wide-open views of the refuge.
wildlife refuges in washington state
AllTrails EraSeek/Alltrails
The refuge is a birdwatcher and wildlife photographer's dream.
Danita Delimont/Gallo Images ROOTS RF collection via Getty Images
Migratory birds rest, nest, and feed along the shoreline. The salt marshes provide an ideal habitat for shorebirds to build reserves during migration season.

Related Stories

With Endless Board Games, This Incredible Restaurant In Washington Is Perfect For Families

With Endless Board Games, This Incredible Restaurant In Washington Is Perfect For Families

 Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Washington

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Washington

 The Largest Pizza In Washington Requires Backup To Finish At Talarico's Restaurant

The Largest Pizza In Washington Requires Backup To Finish At Talarico's Restaurant
Wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and small mammals, can be observed from the trail.
Harvey Barrison, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
For the best shorebird viewing opportunities, check the Grays Harbor tide chart. Shorebirds will be closest to the boardwalk trail during high tide.
Benches are scattered throughout the Sandpiper Trail providing a scenic spot to rest and take in the view.
Zach Anderson/Google Reviews
Experience the beauty of the refuge any time of year.
JeffGoulden/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
GHNWR is open year round but receives the most visitors during the three-week migratory season in the spring.
Every year, the annual Shorebird Festival is held at the refuge.
JeffGoulden/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Typically in early May, the Shorebird Festival brings people from all over the world to view the spectacular site. Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to rest at the refuge including sandpipers, dowitchers, and dunlins.

Please note: With the exception of service dogs, pets are prohibited inside the refuge, so leave your furry pals at home for this epic adventure.

Spend the day with nature at the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge where you can practically walk on water as you view breathtaking wildlife in its natural habitat. It’s family-friendly and free! Have you visited this incredible wildlife refuge in Washington state? What animals did you observe? Let us know in the comments.

And before you leave for this hike or any other in Washington, we recommend that you download a free trial of AllTrails+. You can access offline maps and get up to date trail and weather information, as well as access some cool perks.  

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Nature In Washington State

Melanie J. | March 19, 2024

What are some more wildlife refuges in Washington state that are worth visiting?

After you’ve explored Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, here are some more wildlife refuges in Washington state that we recommend you add to your list.

  • Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Royal City
  • Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield
  • Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia
  • Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Sequim
  • Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Cheney
  • Flattery Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, Clallam Bay
  • Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge, Forks
  • Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Colville
  • Copalis National Wildlife Refuge, Taholah
  • Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge, Discovery Bay
  • San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Puget Sound

Check out our website to discover more about these wildlife refuges in Washington state.

Where else can I see animals in Washington state?

Washington is blessed to have an abundance of wildlife, and here are some of the best places to see animals in Washington state:

  • Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah
  • The Outback Kangaroo Farm, Arlington
  • San Juan Safaris - Whale Watching, Harbor
  • Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville
  • Schreiner Farms, Lyle
  • The Seattle Aquarium, Seattle
  • Olympic National Park, Port Angeles
  • Palouse Falls State Park, LaCrosse
  • Point Defiance Park, Tacoma
  • Mountain Goats in the Cascade and the Olympic Mountains
  • Lake Wenatchee State Park, Leavenworth
  • Cape Disappointment State Park, Ilwaco

If you’re a real animal lover, check out our previous article telling you about more places to see animals in Washington state. 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, 1000 Airport Way, Hoquiam, WA 98550, USA