From north to south they are Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Coos, and Curry counties.

[6] In 1999, the shipwreck of the New Carissa near Coos Bay spilled oil that killed some birds at the refuge.

[3] Four species of pinniped breed, molt, and rest on these lands, including harbor seals, Steller and California sea lions.

[9][10] The southern portion of the refuge provides the greatest number of breeding and pupping sites for Steller sea lions in the U.S. outside Alaska.

[10][12] However, good viewing is possible from Coquille Point in Bandon and other locations suggested by the Oregon Coast Birding Trail.