Oregon
Coast, Klamath Basin & Malheur Loop
Oregon offers one of the most diverse birding circuits in the West, with coastal seabird cliffs, the Klamath Basin’s raptor and waterbird concentrations, Malheur NWR’s peak spring migration, and the dry‑pine forests of the Cascades all within a single loop. From Tufted Puffins and Snowy Plovers on the coast to Bobolinks, Sagebrush Sparrows, and White‑headed Woodpeckers inland, Oregon delivers exceptional variety across dramatic landscapes.
At this time, our Oregon departures are offered as private custom tours only. Stay connected for future updates - join our mailing list to receive news on upcoming offerings and inspiration for your next birding adventure.
Custom Group Tours Available Only
Sample Itinerary:
Birding Across Oregon's Signature Regions (7-8 days)
Portland → Oregon Coast (Tillamook to Bandon) → inland to Klamath Basin → east to Malheur NWR/Steens Mountain foothills → Central Oregon (Bend) → return to Portland.
This loop connects Oregon’s four signature birding regions in one seamless route: coastal seabird cliffs, the Klamath Basin’s raptor and waterbird concentrations, Malheur NWR at peak spring migration, and the dry‑pine forests of the Cascades.
Timed for mid‑May, when alcids are on breeding cliffs and Malheur is at its most dynamic, this route delivers Oregon’s broadest diversity in a single trip. The route begins and ends in Portland and includes coastal overlooks, refuge auto‑loops, and scenic transitions through Oregon’s most iconic landscapes.
Best overall window: Mid-May, when coastal alcids are on breeding cliffs, Klamath Basin still holds good waterfowl/raptor numbers, and Malheur NWR is at peak spring migration.
Target species: Western Meadowlark, Tufted Puffin, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Marbled Murrelet, Harlequin Duck, Wandering Tattler, Black Oystercatcher, Snowy Plover, Trumpeter Swan, Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow, Bobolink (Malheur), Pinyon Jay, Black-billed Magpie, American Dipper, Burrowing Owl, White-faced Ibis, Golden Eagle, Wood Duck, Bald Eagle, White-headed / Lewis's / American Three-toed / Pileated / Black-backed Woodpeckers, Clark's Nutcracker, and Williamson's / Red-breasted and Red-naped Sapsuckers.
Other wildlife: California Bighorn Sheep, Pronghorn, Mule Deer, Coyote, Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal, River Otter, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Chipmunks, and Elk (occasionally).