Sitka Sedge State Natural Area
🏆🏆🏆 Nestucca Bay Estuary — Restored coastal wetland on Nestucca Bay with nesting snowy plovers
Sitka Sedge State Natural Area protects 357 acres of restored coastal wetland, dune forest, and beach on Nestucca Bay on the Northern Oregon Coast. The park is named for the Sitka sedge (Carex aquatilis) that dominates the restored wetlands. The beach provides habitat for the threatened western snowy plover, one of the rarest shorebirds on the Pacific Coast. A trail system provides access to the beach, estuary, and forest while keeping visitors away from sensitive nesting areas.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Nestucca Bay, Tillamook County, OR |
| Size | 357 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Wildlife | Western snowy plover (threatened) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk on the beach?
The beach is open but sections may be seasonally restricted March–September for snowy plover nesting. Watch for posted signs and stay out of fenced nesting areas — these birds nest directly on the sand.
About Sitka Sedge
Sitka Sedge State Natural Area on the northern Oregon coast protects a pristine coastal dune ecosystem with wetlands, Sitka spruce forest, and beach access. Opened in 2017, it’s one of Oregon’s newest state natural areas. The 357-acre preserve includes the Clay Myers natural area and Whalen Island estuary.
Things to Do
Hiking on 3+ miles of trails through coastal dunes, spruce forest, and wetlands. Birdwatching in the Nestucca Bay estuary (200+ species recorded). Beach access for tide pool exploration and beachcombing.
Insider Tips
Wetland jewel: Sitka Sedge protects one of the Oregon coast’s most pristine estuary and dune ecosystems — the Sand Lake estuary complex. Pro tip: The 1.5-mile trail crosses estuary, dune, and beach — three ecosystems in one short walk. Birding: The estuary supports snowy plovers (federally threatened), peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. Bring binoculars.
Best Time to Visit
Spring/fall: Shorebird migration. Summer: Best weather for the trail. Winter: Eagle watching and storm-driven bird arrivals. Year-round: The estuary is productive in every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are snowy plovers endangered?
Western snowy plovers nest on open sandy beaches — the same beaches that attract human recreation. Dogs, vehicles, and foot traffic crush eggs and disturb nesting. Oregon has designated critical habitat areas and seasonal closures to protect remaining nesting pairs. Fewer than 2,000 remain on the Pacific coast.
Wildlife & Nature
Sitka Sedge State Natural Area protects a large, undeveloped coastal wetland — a partnership between Oregon Parks and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians recognizing the cultural and ecological significance of the landscape. The area’s salt marsh, freshwater wetland, and coastal forest provide habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. The restoration of the wetland has improved salmon habitat — juvenile salmon use the estuary’s protected waters as nursery habitat before migrating to the open ocean. The Sitka sedge (Carex aquatilis var. dives) that gives the area its name is a wetland plant providing critical structure for nesting birds. Great blue herons, Virginia rails, and sora nest in the dense vegetation. Northern harriers — low-flying raptors with distinctive white rump patches — hunt over the marsh.
Nearby Attractions
Pacific City and Cape Kiwanda are adjacent — featuring the sandstone headland, dory fleet, and Pelican Brewing on the beach. Bob Straub State Park protects the Nestucca Spit. Nestucca Bay NWR provides additional estuary habitat. Three Capes Scenic Loop connects to Cape Lookout and Cape Meares. Cascade Head Preserve protects rare coastal headland prairie. Neskowin has the Ghost Forest and Proposal Rock. Nestucca River offers world-class salmon and steelhead fishing.
🐦 Visit Sitka Sedge SNA
Restored estuary — snowy plover nesting and coastal wetland on Nestucca Bay.
