Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge
Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge
33 S Barr Rd
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone:360-457-8451
Web: www.fws.gov/pacific/refuges/field/wa_protectionis.htm
Established: 1982.
Location:At the mouth of Discovery Bay in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Special Features:Approximately 70 percent of the nesting seabird population of Puget Sound nest on the island, which includes one of the largest nesting colonies of rhinoceros auklets in the world. The island also contains one of Washington's last nesting populations of tufted puffins. Harbor seals depend upon the island for a pupping and haulout area.
Habitats: 364-acre island of high grassy slopes, low brush, and a small timbered area.
Access: Island is closed to protect nesting seabirds and harbor seals. Commercial boat tours are available from nearby marinas.
Wild life: Rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, pelagic cormorants, tufted puffins, black oystercatchers, and glaucous-winged gulls.
See other parks in Washington.