Northeast Zone

NE WILDLIFE VIEWING

June 25, 2026

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 located on Auburn Road, view 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

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.

Phillip Schneider Wildlife Area

Spring is a great time to get out and explore—wildlife activity is picking up across the area, with increasing opportunities to observe mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and a variety of upland birds and other native species.

As you plan your visit, please keep the following in mind:

Stay on designated roads and respect posted closures

Be mindful of ongoing habitat work and restoration areas

Give wildlife plenty of space, especially during this sensitive spring period

Pack it in, pack it out—help us keep the area clean

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. There are a variety of dabbling ducks that 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).

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area

• August 1 – January 31- Ladd Marsh East of Foothill Rd is Open Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Federal holidays
• January 31-April 1- Glass Hill Access area is open 7 days per week.
• Our sandhill cranes have returned to their northern nesting grounds. Cedar waxwings and Robins are still congregating signifying that spring migration is continuing. Water levels are below normal, 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 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 wildlife area is located between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River. This area provides excellent viewing opportunities for wetland and riparian obligate bird species. Many species are raising their broods and can be seen along the water's edge. Additionally, there is some evidence of beaver activity along the Willow Creek Delta. The upland portions of the wildlife area host strong populations of California quail which can be seen in abundance. Willow Creek's bottomland areas are home to pheasants, mourning doves, and mule deer (which are currently in the process of fawning). Other species observed on this wildlife area include red-tailed hawks, marsh hawks, ospreys, and yellow-bellied marmots.

Coyote Springs and Irrigon Wildlife Areas, located between Boardman and Umatilla, provide ample riparian and wetland habitat and are home to several associated bird species. A variety of duck species (and their broods), pelicans, and egrets are being sighted frequently. The pothole ponds that dot Irrigon Wildlife Area are a great place to observe these species. Painted turtles are also common in the pond areas. Additionally, pheasants, California quail, and mourning doves maintain a presence at both Wildlife areas. Look to the grassy fields, accumulated dead wood piles, and the inland edges of riparian zones for a chance to observe these game species.

Bridge Cr Wildlife Area

This wildlife area, located between Ukiah and the North Fork of the John Day River, is home to large elk populations. There are several pullouts along Highway 395 where you may be lucky enough to glass up some elk on Bridge Creek's western and southern slopes. Bridge Creek can be accessed by vehicle from the Soap Hill Road out of Ukiah. The rolling grassy meadows that make up much of the wildlife area are another great place to look for elk. Additionally, there is a small population of bighorn sheep that calls Bridge Creek home. The forested creek bottoms at Bridge Creek hold grouse as well as the occasional owl. Other species observed at the wildlife area include mule deer, coyotes, and black bears.

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 several 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.