Protection Isl. National Wildlife Refuge

Located at the mouth of Discovery Bay in Strait of Juan de Fuca, the 364-acre island is covered with grass and low brush, with a small timbered area, and high sandy bluffs for seabird nesting. There is an estimated 17,000 pairs of rhinoceros auklets on the island, along with glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, double-crested cormorants, and black oystercatchers. In all, 72% of the seabirds in Puget Sound nest on Protection Island.

The island is closed to public access, but visitors may view the island from their boats.

Location: 100 Brown Farm Rd, Olympia Washington 98516 Telephone 206-753-9467

See more Wildlife Viewing.

The Most Anticipated Upcoming Washington Events Are: Christmas at the Fort Vancouver December 12 Model Train Festival Tacoma December 26 thru January 2 Lantern Tours at Fort Vancouver Vancouver January 9 thru January 23 Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival Ridgefield continuing thru November 21 Full Orchestra Concerts Yakima February 27

Other upcoming events include: Red Wine and Chocolate, Yakima Valley Yakima February 13 thru February 15 Red Wine and Chocolate Port Angeles and Port Townsend February 13 thru February 15 Full Orchestra Concerts Yakima February 27 Snowed In 2010 Puyallup January 15 thru January 17 Vashon Island Art Studio Tour Vashon Island continuing thru December 13