Recreation Report
Northeast Zone
Recreation Report
NE WILDLIFE VIEWING
December 4, 2025
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 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, see 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 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 are on their winter range now. They can be seen throughout the county all over. Bulls are in large bachelor groups this time of year and many people are seeing them.
Waterfowl species can be seen throughout the county, especially near Ladd Marsh. A variety of dabbling ducks are abundant. White-fronted geese have arrived in the Grande Ronde Valley as well.
All private lands enrolled in Access and Habitat are open to public access now, as well as Manulife properties (day use only).
August 1 – January 31- Ladd Marsh East of Foothill Rd is Open Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Federal holidays
April 1- January 31- Glass Hill Access area is open 7 days per week.
Our sandhill cranes have headed south for warmer weather. Cedar waxwings and Robbins are congregating signifying that fall migration is in full swing. With hunting season underway, visitors should wear bright clothing as being seen is important for everyone. Water levels are starting to come back but the main refuge below foothill road still offers good birding with spotting scopes from either the overlook or the White Barn parking lots. 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 in 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
Waterfowl are currently migrating through the Columbia Basin. Some will stay here through winter until they move to their summer grounds. You may have the opportunity to see large flocks of Snow Geese. Bald Eagles are fairly common to spot in mature trees along the Columbia River as they wait for unsuspecting waterfowl.
The Irrigon Wildlife Area has riparian and wetland habitat and hosts a number of bird species associated with each habitat. Watch waterfowl and wading bird species in the pothole pond areas. 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.
Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area provides winter range for mule deer populations and year-round habitat for a variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Elk, deer, and bighorn sheep viewing is often good during winter and early spring. Bird watching is excellent all year. Native habitats include sagebrush shrubland, riparian, ponderosa pine forest, western juniper woodland and mixed conifer which support a diversity of fish and wildlife. The riparian areas along the mainstem John Day River, South Fork John Day River and Murderers Creek provide excellent habitat for many birds. Upland areas provide important habitat for passerines and game species.
Hunting season is slowing down, and with winter approaching and the temperatures dropping, wildlife viewing is picking. Elk, deer, big horn sheep, and Antelope are starting to be more prevalent. Our raptor population is increasing with golden eagles, bald eagles, red tailed hawks, great horned owls, and peregrine falcons to name a few. Along the South Fork River we also see lots of belted kingfishers right now. We recommend driving up the main road of the wildlife area around sunrise or sunset for the best wildlife viewing. Starting December 1, many of the roads on the wildlife area have been closed to all motor vehicles, but non-motorized access is still open.
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.