Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge protects a group of offshore rock islets and surrounding waters off the northwest Oregon coast near the community of Oceanside. Established in 1907, it was among the earliest U.S. refuges created to safeguard breeding seabirds and marine mammals.

The refuge consists of three sea stacks that support colonies of seabirds including tufted puffins and common murres and serve as haul-outs for sea lions and other pinnipeds. Public landing on the rocks is prohibited, but the formations are visible from coastal viewpoints and by boat.

Created by presidential action in 1907 to protect important seabird colonies and rookeries, the site has been managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with access restrictions and research permitting to minimize disturbance. Conservation focus is on nesting birds, marine mammal use and adjacent marine habitat.

The rocks lie offshore from Oceanside on the northwest Oregon coast and are visible from nearby coastal viewpoints and headlands; nearby coastal communities provide the usual vantage points for visitors and researchers.

• Access restrictions: Landing on the rocks is prohibited to protect nesting seabirds and marine mammals; visitors view the refuge from shore or by licensed research vessels.
• Establishment: Designated in 1907 during the early national wildlife refuge program and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for seabird and marine mammal protection.

What to See #

• Sea stacks: Three small rocky islets and sea stacks that provide nesting substrate for seabirds and haul-out sites for marine mammals, with visible natural arches and steep cliff faces.