National wildlife refuge

Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a 30,000-acre national wildlife refuge in San Francisco County, California, established in 1909, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is closed to all public use: no one may land on or enter it.

Check current closures and fire restrictions for Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge on the managing agency's own page.

Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: USFWS Pacific Southwest Region, Public domain

Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge map

Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge boundary from USGS PAD-US or the managing agency, simplified for display. Not for navigation or legal boundaries.

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Fire restrictions

Fire restrictions change with the season and can start or lift within days. Check the current orders for this area before any campfire, stove, smoking, target shooting or off-road driving.

Common questions

No. Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is closed to all public use: no one may land on or enter it.
No. Hunting is not allowed on Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Refuge closed to general public entry.
No. Fishing is not allowed on Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. No public fishing where refuge lands are closed to entry.
Yes. Dogs are allowed on Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge on a leash. Leashed pets allowed on signed trails and roads unless posted otherwise.

Hours, fees, and visitor center

There is no entrance fee at Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

What visitors do here: birding, environmental education, photography, wildlife viewing.

Source: fws.gov/refuge/farallon-islands/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Wildlife

  • BirdMigratory birds
  • InvertebrateThreatened and endangered species

Source: fws.gov/refuge/farallon-islands, checked 2026-09-28.

Hunting

Hunting is not allowed on Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Refuge closed to general public entry.

Hunting rules for Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Source: fws.gov/refuge/farallon-islands/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Fishing and boating

Fishing is not allowed on Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. No public fishing where refuge lands are closed to entry.

Source: fws.gov/refuge/farallon-islands/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge on a leash. Leashed pets allowed on signed trails and roads unless posted otherwise.

Source: fws.gov/refuge/farallon-islands/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Places on the refuge

  • PlaceOffshore seabird and marine mammal coloniesManaged as part of San Francisco Bay NWR Complex; island landing restricted

Source: fws.gov/refuge/farallon, checked 2026-09-29.

Public lands next to Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Measured between the units' boundaries as mapped in USGS PAD-US. Distances are straight line, not driving.