Farallon National Wildlife Refuge

Directions: Islands located approximately 30 miles off shore of San Francisco in the Pacific Ocean. The refuge is not open for public access.

Primary Wildlife: Largest seabird breeding colony on the Pacific coast south of Alaska, hosting over 300,000 birds each summer. Breeding species include western gull, Cassin's auklet, rhinoceros auklet, common murre, Brandt's cormorant, double-crested cormorant, pelagic cormorant, pigeon guillemot, ashy storm petrel, Leach's storm petrel, tufted puffin, and American black oystercatcher. Stellar sea lions and northern elephant seals breed and pup on the South Farallon Islands. California sea lions, harbor seals and northern fur seals haul out on the islands.

The refuge also includes the Farallon Wilderness Area.

Habitat: 211 acres of rocky islands.

Recreation and Education: Although the refuge is closed to public access, wildlife can be observed, studied and photographed at a distance from boats. Whale watching and saltwater fishing in nearby waters. Many local conservation groups sponsor wildlife observation trips to the Farallon Islands. Information regarding these trips is available at the San Francisco Bay NWR.

c/o San Francisco Bay NWR Complex
PO Box 524
Newark, CA 94560-0524
(415) 792-0222