Bridge Creek Wildlife Area Visitors' Guide
Establishment of the Bridge Creek Wildlife Area initially started in 1961 when a parcel of land was purchased from the Frank Hilbert estate. After the initial purchase, several private holdings were acquired to consolidate the land under department ownership. The last parcel was purchased from the Colvin Cattle Company in 1975. The primary purpose of the wildlife area is to maintain and protect a key historic winter range for Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni).
Best time to visit: Songbirds, deer and elk can be observed most of the year. Public access is unlimited during late spring, summer and fall. The wildlife area is closed December 1 – April 14, except by access permit issued from ODFW. Camping is permitted April 15 – Nov. 30, campers may not exceed 14 days per stay. Motor vehicle access is allowed only on open roads, or up to 300 feet off open roads for the purpose of camping. The access road is unimproved; passenger vehicles are cautioned.
Visiting hours: Open April 15 thru November 30; no parking permit required
Bridge Creek Features and Ownership Map (pdf)
What to see and do: Mountain bluebirds and horned larks are common and easily observed during the summer months. Red crossbills can be observed during fall migration. Seasonally, more than 1,000 Rocky Mountain elk congregate on the wildlife area in the winter to escape deep snow at higher elevations.
- Wildlife: red-tailed hawk, bald eagle, sharp-shinned hawk, mountain bluebird, western lark, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, coyote. For an extensive wildlife species list see Appendix C of the Bridge Creek Wildlife Area Management Plan.
- Facilities: hunting, ADA wheel chair accessible interpretive trail, fishing ponds, picnic area
- Nearby: Umatilla National Forest has more than 20 campgrounds as well as hiking, horseback riding, skiing, hunting and fishing.
Directions: Take exit 209 off I-84. Turn south on Hwy. 395 and travel about 47 miles to Ukiah/La Grande Hwy. 244. Turn left and proceed for one mile. Turn right at Granite/Ukiah Road 52 and travel four miles. The entrance to the wildlife area is on the right side of the road. If you continue on Granite/Ukiah Road 52, the trail head for the Ron Bridges Memorial Trail is on the right, one mile past the wildlife area.
Address and Phone:
Bridge Creek Wildlife Area
73471 Mytinger Lane
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-2344
Additional resources:
Find a Rec Report
Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and see wildlife. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state.