Serenity on the Water

National wildlife refuges can be perfect places to paddle

Whether you’re in a canoe, a kayak or a rowboat, propelling yourself through waters in unspoiled nature is physically and spiritually exhilarating. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours outdoors – with friends or by yourself. Come along as we tour a sampling of national wildlife refuges across America that offer just that experience.

National Wildlife Refuges offer a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an environment of transitions: freshwater to salt, shaded canopy to exposed delta, turbulent river to stilled embayment.

Even the inhabitants are in constant flux, from amphibians metamorphosing in bogs and resident birds donning breeding plumage in spring to spawning salmon—born in freshwater and raised in saline depths. Bring binoculars, a spotting scope or camera: there’s a wealth of wildlife to be found at Siletz Bay Refuge.