Wildlife & Nature Adventure with South Slough Coos Bay Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels
Overview
Get up close with Oregon’s rich estuarine wildlife on the South Slough Coos Bay Wildlife Viewing Tour. Discover soaring eagles, playful otters, and a thriving habitat teeming with life.
South Slough Coos Bay Wildlife Viewing Tour
2.5 Hours • Marine Mammals and Seabirds! (3 person Minimum)
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Marine Mammals and Seabirds!
(3 person minimum)
Duration
Around 2 Hours Choose sit on top or sit inside kayaks when booking.
About
The South Slough of the Coos River is home to the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve which is a protected area of land and estuary. There are many birds that utilize this beautiful area such as Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Belted Kingfishers.
The tides are great in this estuary so we will plan to ride the ebbing and flowing tides to make this paddle a little easier. There can also be Harbor Seals and Brown Pelicans making for a fun wildlife viewing tour. Total distance is about 4.6 miles over around 2 hours. We need at least 3 paddlers to run this tour.
Adventure Tips
Best time for birdwatching
Visit during spring or fall to see migrating birds and the most activity.
Wear layered clothing
Coos Bay weather can change quickly; dress in layers to stay comfortable during the tour.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your viewing experience with binoculars for detailed wildlife spotting.
Arrive early
Early morning tours often provide the best wildlife sightings and calmer waters.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagles
- River otters
History
South Slough was designated as a National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1974, highlighting its ecological importance.
Conservation
The reserve is dedicated to preserving its habitats through sustainable tourism and ongoing restoration projects.
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Adventure Hotspots in Coos Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
Allows better viewing of distant wildlife and enhances your experience.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses protect you during outdoor visibility.
summer specific
Waterproof clothing
Preparedness for weather changes keeps you comfortable in variable conditions.
fall/winter specific
Camera with zoom
Capture close-up shots of elusive wildlife and scenery.