FAQs

1. What is the purpose of Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest?

Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest is a one-of-a-kind birding event created by a partnership of community organizations to showcase the remarkable abundance and diversity of birds that winter along the Columbia River Estuary and Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer.

 

2. When and where is Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest?

Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest will take place February 19–21, 2027, in Wahkiakum County, Washington. Festival activities will occur at a variety of locations throughout the county, offering opportunities to explore the Columbia River, Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer, and other birding areas. Visitors will enjoy the historic and charming Town of Cathlamet with its shops and restaurants, the village of Skamokawa with its own attractions, and the rural communities of Grays River, Rosburg, and Deep River.
 

JBH Refuge is the headquarters for the festival and many of the birding trips are located there. Several guided tours depart from other locations that will be provided in the detailed descriptions section of each activity. The Friday night musical entertainment will be in downtown Cathlamet. Check the festival schedule page for registration requirements and details for each event.

 

3. Do I need to register for the festival and individual festival events?

Everyone wanting to participate in any aspect of Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest must register to attend the festival and receive a Festival Passport and Map. Online registration opens November 14 at 8:00 am PT. No further registration is required for participating in individual Self-Guided Birding activities. However, you must individually register for all Guided Birding, Workshops, and Special Events. The Charter Columbia River Birding by Boat tours and Wahkiakum Chamber Crab & Oyster Feed are conducted by outside entities and you must register with and pay them to attend. Check the festival schedule page for registration requirements and details for each event.
 

4.  Where do I check in and pick up my registration passport and map?

When you arrive at Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest—either on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning—check in at the Registration & Partner Displays Tent at the Headquarters of the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer. The refuge is located at 46 Whitetail Road, Cathlamet, WA 98612. Check the festival schedule page for registration hours.
 

5. How much does it cost to attend the festival?

Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest is FREE to attend, but registration is required. Two activities—Charter Columbia River Birding by Boat and the Wahkiakum Chamber Crab & Oyster Feed—have separate fees that you pay directly to the provider. Space is limited at both of these popular activities and you are advised to register early. Check the individual event listing on the festival schedule page for registration and pricing information.
 

6. Where can I go birding during the festival?

Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest offers a variety of Self-Guided and Guided Birding tours. Check the festival schedule page for registration requirements and details for each event. After enjoying these birding opportunities, you may want to spend an extra day exploring on your own. Visit our partner booths at the Headquarters of the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer to find more information on where to go. 
 

7. What kinds of birds can I expect to see?

February is an excellent time to experience the region's wintering waterfowl. Ducks, geese, and swans are abundant on the Columbia River, Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer, and surrounding wetlands. Eagles and wading birds also will be seen regularly. Depending on the location and conditions, you may see other raptors, shorebirds, songbirds, and early spring migrants.
 

8. Are boat tours available?

Charter Columbia River Birding by Boat trips are offered by an independent operator as part of the festival weekend. A volunteer birding guide will be aboard to help point out birds and conduct a safe trip. Check the festival schedule page for tour details, departure information, registration requirements, and pricing. Space is limited so book your trip early.
 

9. Are festival activities welcoming of novice birders and family-friendly?

Many festival activities are suitable for birders and nature enthusiasts of all experience levels and ages. Our volunteer birding guides are here to assist you in identifying birds and learning about their unique behaviors and habitats. Birds are all different and so are birders. We hope to make you comfortable and assist you in enjoying the Wintering Wild Birds of Wahkiakum! Check individual event descriptions for help planning a weekend that is right for you.
 

10. Where can I stay during the festival?

A surprising variety of lodging choices await you! Select from historic hotels, comfortable bed & breakfasts, rustic cabins, and riverside RV camping. Visit the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce Accommodations page for information about places to stay and help planning your visit.
 

11. What will the weather be like in February?

February in Wahkiakum County can be cool, wet, and windy. Weather conditions can change throughout the day, including sunshine (what we call “sun breaks”) even on rainy days. The average rainfall for the month of February is about 7-8 inches, with precipitation on approximately half of the days. Average high temperature is 51 degrees and average low temperature is 38 degrees.
 

12. What should I bring?

Bring binoculars, comfortable weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, and rain gear. February weather in Wahkiakum County can be cool, wet, and windy, so be prepared for changing conditions. Check the detailed descriptions of individual activities for additional items like tall rain boots and dry bags that may be recommended. And don't forget your camera and sense of adventure!
 

13. Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not allowed on the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer. Dogs also are not allowed at any of the festival’s guided tours, self-guided tours, workshops, or special events. The one exception is the self-guided tour of the Elochoman Slough Marina (aka Cathlamet Marina), where dogs are allowed on leash. The refuge is encircled by three county roads (Whitetail Road, Steamboat Slough Road, and Brooks Slough Road). Dogs may be walked on these county roads, and leashes are recommended.

 

14. How can I volunteer or get involved?

We're always grateful for community members who want to help make Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest possible. Information about volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved will be shared as festival plans develop.

 

15. Who are the organizers of Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest?

Wahkiakum Wild Bird Fest is hosted by Willapa Hills Audubon Society, in partnership with Wahkiakum County Marine Resources Committee, Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other collaborators include Columbia Land Trust, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wahkiakum Port District #1 (Elochoman Slough Marina), and Wahkiakum Port District #2 (Skamokawa Vista Park). Local businesses, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts also are active on the planning team.