Northeast Zone

Dec. 4, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen

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Baker County

Bighorn sheep can be seen in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland. The best viewing is in the early morning and late in the evening.

Take the Snake River Road between Richland and Huntington to see bald and golden eagles along the Snake River.

There are deer throughout the valley. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon are good times to view wildlife. A drive through the foothills of the Baker valley and through the Keating valley can turn up good numbers of deer.

Elkhorn Wildlife Area

Elkhorn Wildlife Area is known for the Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer herds that frequent the area during the winter. There are two good viewing sites. The Anthony Creek site is located about eight miles west of I-84 on North Powder River Lane. From I-84 take the North Powder Exit (Exit 285). About 150 elk can be seen here on any given day. From the overlook on Auburn Road, watch hundreds of elk and mule deer. It is on the south side of Old Auburn Road, which branches off Highway 7 about six miles south of Baker City.

Grant County

When wildfire happens, most ungulates, i.e. deer and elk, are able to avoid wildfire by moving away from the active flames or moving wet areas such as meadows or riparian areas. Once the fire has passed, they may move back into burned area. Deer will generally not move from their home range after a fire. They will resume a "normal" movement pattern and find forage in wet areas such as springs or meadows for feed. Elk may move away from the burned area but in some cases will move back into the burned area. Direct mortality from a fire is rare.

Bighorn sheep can be spotted from the South Fork Road near Jackass Creek. Early mornings or late afternoons are your best chances for catching them out on the rocky outcrops.

Mountain goats can be spotted in the Strawberry Mountains above little Strawberry Lake for those willing to make a couple mile hike. If you would like the chance to spot one from a car, the vehicle roads end, near High Lake, is a good place for viewing. Also, goats can be viewed from Vinegar Hill in the Desolation Unit.

Union County

Deer and elk will start to transition down onto winter range over the next couple of months. High elevation snow is present and will likely stick around for the rest of winter. Deer are starting to rut, and can be seen chasing does around. Mornings and evenings are the best time to see wildlife.

Waterfowl species can be seen throughout the county, especially near Ladd Marsh. A variety of species of dabbling ducks are abundant.

Many different falcon species can be seen around the county as well, especially around cut hay fields as they are finding prey in these areas.

All private lands enrolled in Access and Habitat are open to public access now, as well as Manulife properties (day use only).

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area

• March 1 – July 31- Tule Lake Access area is open 7 days per week.
• April 1- January 31- Glass Hill Access area is open 7 days per week.
• The remainder of the Ladd Marsh is closed to public access for wildlife benefit.

Note: All visitors must have in their possession a free daily permit to access the wildlife area. Permits are available at several self-check-in stations at entry points and parking lots. All visitors also need a parking permit to park on the wildlife area. Find out how to buy a $10 daily or $30 annual parking permit.

Umatilla County

Some areas you may consider viewing wildlife in Umatilla County include Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge, McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge, and the below listed state wildlife areas. Trails in the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness are also a great place to go hiking and see wildflowers, elk, black bear and mule deer.

Columbia Basin Wildlife Areas

Willow Creek and Coyote Springs wildlife areas are both nestled between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River, and have excellent viewing for wetland and riparian obligate bird species. Many species are raising their broods and can be seen along the water's edge. The upland areas of savanna and shrub steppe also host a variety of bird species. Willow Creek has an ample deer herd, and you'll see evidence of beaver activity on the Willow Creek delta area of the wildlife area.

The Irrigon Wildlife Area has riparian and wetland habitat and hosts a number of bird species associated with each habitat. One can see a number of waterfowl and wading bird species in the pothole pond areas. Currently, ducks and geese are pairing off and it won't be long before we see the first goslings for the season. Painted turtles are also common in the pond areas, and when the weather warms up, a stealthy person can spot turtles sunning on the banks and floating debris. White pelicans are commonly found along the Columbia River as well. Numbers of geese and ducks are growing along the Columbia River and will be commonly trading back and forth along the river.

Bridge Cr Wildlife Area

Reopened April 15. Bridge Creek is a great place to view elk. Bighorn sheep can also be seen on the south end along the breaks of the North Fork John Day River. Bridge Creek is winter range for elk and mule deer, and the majority of deer and elk wintering there will eventually migrate uphill as snow continues to melt.

Wallowa County

A good place to observe mule deer is along the Wallowa Lake highway between Joseph and the south end of Wallowa Lake. Drive slowly and watch along the moraine on the east side of the lake around dawn and dusk. Be careful to use the turnouts when stopping to watch these animals, as there will be other traffic on the road. There are white-tailed deer throughout the Wallowa Valley on or near agricultural lands. Visitors can see elk at the Wenaha Wildlife Area at Troy or while driving the Zumwalt Rd. through the Zumwalt Prairie, please respect road and area closures.

Various waterfowl species are visiting Wallowa Lake and a number of the open-water ponds, ditches and streams. You'll spot raptor species in the upper valley, east of Enterprise and Joseph, also along the Zumwalt and Crow Creek roads. Some early migrants are starting to show up in the county, keep your eyes open for these species passing through the area.