Alder Island Nature Trail
in Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Just south of Lincoln City on the Oregon coast, Highway 101 crosses the Siletz River as it flows into Siletz Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It is at this location that you will find Alder Island Nature Trail, which opened in 2017 and offers a level 0.85-mile loop hike around an island between the river and its marshes. While it might lack the ocean views of surrounding coastal hikes, Alder Island Nature Trail is a tranquil spot for a short, easy outing with wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Set out from a trailhead parking area for Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located just off Highway 101. From the trail kiosk, set out northeast on the paved service road extending off the end of Millport Slough Lane. Enjoy views east over wetlands along the Siletz River. Canoes and kayaks (and other non-motorized boats) are welcome to explore the refuge too, using a boat launch near the trailhead.
As you walk along the road, gaze over a channel cut through the marsh on the right. When this area became a National Wildlife Refuge in the 1990s, efforts were made to return the bay to a more natural state. A panel at the trailhead explains:
Tidal flows along portions of Siletz Bay were once diked to provide pasture for cattle. Now river and seawater meet and mingle once again, thanks to restoration by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners. The mix of freshwater and saltwater draws multitudes of anadromous fish, ducks, shorebirds, herons, eagles, and cormorants.
(Anadromous fish are those that travel up rivers from the ocean to spawn.) Alder Island also has a unique development history. A nearby housing construction project dumped dirt from a dredging operation onto the island, raising Alder Island above the tides and allowing alder trees to take root. The island’s man-made height was retained during the refuge rehabilitation so that the island could host a hiking trail.
Approach the end of the pavement, around 0.15 miles from the trailhead. Bear right onto a gravel path, Alder Island Nature Trail.
Cross a land-bridge over the channel along the west edge of Alder Island. On the other side, come to a marked trail junction where the loop begins. To the left, the trail angles toward Siletz River. For now, continue straight ahead and save the sights of the river for the second half of the hike (unless you prefer to hike in a clockwise direction instead).
Alder Island Nature Trail proceeds along a channel the flows beside the island. Keep an eye on the banks to spot herons, egrets, and ducks. Pine-covered hills rise beyond the wetlands. The trail weaves through stands of alders that do more than give this island its name, presenting hikers with pleasant partial shade. Horsetail, ferns, and grasses soak up the speckled sunlight that reaches the ground.
After 0.4 miles of hiking, reach the east end of the island, where the trail makes a sharp right turn. A bench positioned here offers nice views looking up and across the Siletz River. Have a seat and listed to songbirds in the trees. Step up to the shoreline to broaden your perspectives of the river. The shore here may also serve as an access point for anglers.
Continue on the trail across the north side of the island. Over the second half of the loop, river views are abundant from the edge of the island’s forest. Eventually, the trail curves away from the river and borders a channel flowing along the island. Gaze down the Siletz River toward a bridge on Highway 101, backed by Siletz Bay.
Walk along the channel back to the junction where the loop began. Having hiked 2/3 of a mile, it is now a short walk back to the trailhead. Bear right, leave the island, and turn left when you hit the pavement to return to your vehicle.
With just a few feet of elevation change along this 0.85-mile loop, you’re unlikely to find an easier hike along the Oregon coast between Lincoln City and Depoe Bay. Put some coffee or tea in the thermos and enjoy a stroll on Alder Island!
Dogs and bikes are not allowed on Alder Island Nature Trail. No fee or permit is required for this hike in Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, so get out and enjoy!
- For a similar hike on Oregon’s coast to the north, check out Whalen Island Loop Trail in Sand Lake Estuary.
To get to the trailhead: From Lincoln City, take Highway 101 south for 5 miles. Pass Route 229 on the left and drive another half mile, crossing over the Siletz River. Turn left onto Millport Slough Lane, following signs for Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Drive a hundred yards to the trailhead parking area.
Coming from Depoe Bay, drive 7 miles north on Highway 101. After Siletz Bay appears, turn right onto Millport Slough Lane and park near the trailhead at road’s end. An intersection on the right side of Highway 101 with Immonen Road comes half a mile before Millport Slough Lane.
Trailhead address: Millport Slough Lane, Lincoln City, OR 97367
Trailhead coordinates: 44.8954, -124.0085 (44° 53′ 43.4″N 124° 00′ 30.6″W)
You may also view a regional map of surrounding Oregon trails and campgrounds.
 | Cape Kiwanda This short beach hike explores tide pools and sand dunes at a rugged headland on Oregon's coast near Pacific City. |
 | Cape Lookout Trail This 5-mile round trip hike ventures down a promontory on the Oregon Coast with beautiful ocean views. |
 | Cape Meares Lighthouse & Octopus Tree This easy 0.8-mile hike in Cape Meares State Park visits a beautiful lighthouse and an equally impressive tree, exploring a coastal cape with tall cliffs and big ocean views. |
 | Oceanside Beach to Tunnel Beach This 0.8-mile beach walk comes with an adventurous twist, a man-made tunnel through a cliff that leads from one beautiful beach to a second, more secluded beach. |
 | Whalen Island Loop Trail This 1.5-mile hike explores a lovely island-like park in Sand Lake Estuary with ocean and wetland views. |
 | Munson Creek Falls Trail This short hike near Tillamook travels up a forest canyon to the tallest waterfall in Coastal Oregon. |
 | Ecola Point to Indian Beach This 2 2/3-mile round trip hike explores a wild and beautiful section of Oregon Coast Trail between Ecola Point and Indian Beach in Ecola State Park. |
 | Saddle Mountain Trail This 5-mile round trip hike rises through fir forests and wildflower-filled slopes up to a summit with panoramic coastal views. |
 | Beaver Falls This short hike slips down through forest to a beautiful waterfall plunging over a basalt wall. |
 | Trails in Oregon Explore more hikes throughout the state of Oregon. |
 | Whalen Island County Campground This 33-site campground is a nice camping option on Whalen Island with easy access to estuary beaches and a loop hike. |
 | Cape Lookout State Park Campground This grand, oceanfront campground has over 200 sites right behind a big, beautiful beach. |
[…] new to add but we found more enjoyment from exploring new Lincoln County hotspots (like the Alder Island Nature Trail in Siletz Bay NWR) than having any luck finding new birds. By late afternoon, the sun finally came […]