About Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge
Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of six islands (Cross, Scotch, Outer Double Head Shot, Inner Double Head Shot, Mink, Old Man Islands) encompassing 1,700 acres in Cutler. The six offshore islands are 10 miles southeast of Machias in Machias Bay. Cross, Mink, and Scotch Islands are covered predominantly by spruce-fir forest and support a variety of small mammals and songbirds, white-tailed deer, and osprey. Bald eagles currently nest on Cross, Mink and Outer Double Head Shot Islands. A large saltmarsh is located on the western end of Cross Island. During the fall, thousands of waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors pass through on their southward migration. The northern half of both Double Head Shot islands is dominated by spruce-fir forest, while the southern end of the islands are predominantly covered by grasses and shrubs. A variety of seabirds nest on both the islands. Old Man Island is one of only six nesting sites for razorbills in the United States and four of them are part of the Refuge. Vegetation on the island is sparse, with rock outcroppings, steep cliffs, and sea stacks dominating the island. Any islands supporting nesting eagles are closed to public access from February 15 to August 31.Seabird nesting islands supporting nesting terns, alcids, Leach’s storm-petrel, or great cormorants are closed to public access during the seabird nesting season: April 1 to August 31. Islands supporting nesting gulls and common eiders are closed to public use from April 1 to July 31. Refuge staff monitor island resources and conduct biological surveys of the island’s flora and fauna.
How to Get There
Cross Island refuge's six offshore islands are located 10 miles southeast of Machias in Machias Bay. The islands can be accessed by personal boat only. Cross and Scotch Islands are open year round from sunrise to sunset. Mink, Inner and Outer Double Head Shots, and Old Man Islands are open during daylight hours from September 1 to March 31 and closed during the nesting season from April 1 to August 31. For more information, contact Refuge Manager at (207) 546-2124
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1364) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Cross Island refuge's six offshore islands are located 10 miles southeast of Machias in Machias Bay. The islands can be accessed by personal boat only. Cross and Scotch Islands are open year round from sunrise to sunset. Mink, Inner and Outer Double Head Shots, and Old Man Islands are open during daylight hours from September 1 to March 31 and closed during the nesting season from April 1 to Augus…
How do I contact Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 1 207 546 2124 or email: fw5rw_pmnwr@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
