Birding Wasco County
Twin Tunnels – Mosier return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-7 - geographic coordinates 45 41’ 03” N 121 23’ 58” W
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Twin Tunnels Info
Twin Tunnels Map
Link to Oregon Cascades Birding Trails Document. Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. Hood Trail Guide. Go to site # 9.
Location: This five mile trail starts in Mosier and ends in Hood River (or the other way around). The tunnels are about a mile from the parking lot and the county border with Hood River County is two miles from the Mosier side. Mosier is located off of Interstate 84 six miles east of Hood River and 14 miles west of The Dalles. Take exit 69 off I-84 and turn to the west on Rock Creek Road. Take this road for 0.5 miles and watch for the parking area and signs to the trail.
Habitat and Birds: This location has the potential to be as productive as the more famous trail at Deschutes River State Park. Migrants should be expected here and lots of locals like Black-capped Chickadee and Bewick's Wren should be around anytime of year. You can view the river from here and find rafts of ducks, grebes, and loons.
Mosier Waterfront Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-7 - geographic coordinates 45 41’ 05” N 121 24’ 06” W
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Link to Oregon Cascades Birding Trails Document. Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. Hood Trail Guide. Go to site # 8.
Location: Take Exit 69 off of I-84 at Mosier. Go right at Rock Creek Rd for 500 yards to the gravel parking area.
Habitat and Birds: There are five miles of trails through wetland and upland habitats. Species expected here are Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Vaux's Swift, Osprey, Blue-winged Teal, Anna's Hummingbird, Cliff Swallow, and both eagles.
Memaloose State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 D-8 geographic coordinates 45 41’ 44” N 121 20’ 20” W
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Oregon State Parks Website
Location: The park is off of I-84 nine miles east of Hood River and 11 miles west of The Dalles.
Habitat and Birds: Shade trees and open grass next to the Columbia River. Migrants seen here include Lewis's Woodpecker, Anna's Hummingbird, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Varied Thrush, Nashville Warbler, and Vaux's Swift.
Tom McCall Nature Conservancy Preserve At Rowena return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-6 - DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 40’ 14” N 121 15’ 24” W
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Nature Conservancy Website Including Video
Location: From I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge take either the Mosier exit (five miles E of Hood River) or the Rowena exit (eight miles W of The Dalles). From Mosier, go E on the Old Scenic Highway (US 30). Beyond milepost 6 the preserve is on both sides of the highway. Park at the Rowena Crest viewpoint or at the trailhead on Highway 30. There are two trails on the preserve. The one-mile plateau trail begins at the interpretive sign at the entrance to the preserve. It crosses the plateau to cliff edges and encircles a permanent pond. The three-mile McCall Point trail, open May through November, begins from the S side of the turnaround and gains 1,000 feet in elevation. At the top, visitors are rewarded with expansive views of the Columbia Gorge and Cascade mountain peaks. The preserve is often windy, and visitors should beware of ticks, rattlesnakes and poison oak. Spring wildflowers are most abundant in April and May. There are special regulations for accessing this location: Preserve Visitation Guidelines
Habitat and Birds: More than 300 plant species, including grass widows, prairie stars, shooting stars, balsamroot, lupine and Indian paintbrush thrive here. The preserve is so diverse partly because it lies in the transition zone between the moist, heavily-forested west side of the Cascades and the drier bunchgrass prairies of the east. The plateau hosts one of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in Oregon. Beginning in late February and running through early summer, the ground is carpeted in a sea of color as one species after another blooms and fades. Both amateur and professional botanists from all over the northwest come each year to marvel at the beauty.
Mayer State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 40’ 38” N 121 16’ 44” W
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Oregon State Park Website
Location: The park is located off I-84 at exit 76. This is about six miles west of The Dalles and about 23 miles east of Hood River. Follow the signs to the park.
Habitat and Birds: Many migrants occupy the trees lining the Columbia River and river views will produce rafts of ducks and gulls.
The Dalles Discovery Center return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 39’ 13” N 121 12’ 37” W
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Discovery Center Website
Location: From The Dalles, take Hwy 30 west for 1.4 miles to Discovery Road. Turn right and this road will lead you to the center. Walk the trail system around the center and the parking lot.
Habitat and Birds: You can view the river here and often rafts of ducks will be present. The trees lining the pond in back of the center can hold migrants.
The Dalles Riverfront Park and Trail return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 D-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 F-10 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 59” N 121 09’ 46” W
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Riverfront Trail Website Map of Riverfront Trail
Location: Take exit 85 off of I-84 in The Dalles. Make your way to the river and use the map above to find the access points.
Habitat and Birds: This park gives great views of the Columbia River and its inhabitants. Tree-lined trails produce migrants and river views make for the best birding of the river in the county. Species seen here include Greater White-fronted Geese, Wood Duck, Canvasback, both scaup species, goldeneye, grebes, Osprey, shorebirds, many species of gulls, Common Tern, Caspian Tern, Western Kingbird, American Pipit, and Cedar Waxwing to name a few.
The Dalles Dam(Seafert Park) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 D-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-10 geographic coordinates 45 37’ 13” N 121 06’ 55” W
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Location: For the best viewing below the dam, take exit 87 in The Dalles and travel north on Hwy 197 for a short distance. Turn right (east) on Bret Clodfelter Way and travel about a mile to the visitor center at Seuffert Park. View the area below the dam from this park.
Habitat and Birds: Birds congregate at the dam and feed on the churned up flotsom that comes through the turbines. Gulls, loons, grebes, and ducks are common here.
Mouth of the Deschutes River return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-1 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 04” N 12054’ 51” W
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Location: From I-84, take the Hwy 206 Exit (Exit 97) to Fulton Canyon. Follow Hwy 26 for 2.5 miles to Old Moody Road. Take this road to the river mouth.
Habitat and Birds: This can be one of the most productive areas in the county. Most birders do their viewing from the Sherman County side of the river but many of the same species can be seen from the Wasco County side. Walk under the freeway to get views of the river mouth.
Dufur return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 A-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 A-10 geographic coordinates 45 27’ 07” N 121 07’ 51” W
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Location: Dufur is located off of Hwy 197 about 12 miles south of The Dalles.
Habitat and Birds: Like many little towns in eastern Oregon, Dufur provides shade trees for migrants, bird feeders, and permanent habitat for birds. Watch for Western Scrub-Jay and Eurasian Collared-Dove since they are expanding their range into central Oregon. Check out the sewage ponds on the SE corner of town. Take First Street west from Hwy 97 and the ponds are on your left. You can also view these ponds from the baseball field. Go west on First to Main. Turn left and take another left on Hogan's Alley. Follow this road to the ball fields, and the ponds are on the very eastern edge of the complex. Treated effluent from these ponds goes into Three-mile Creek and this area offers good passerine birding.
Center Ridge Road Loop return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-1 geographic coordinates 45 24’ 33” N 120 58’ 49” W
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Location: This route offers the birder a look at the drier side of Wasco County. Begin three miles north of Dufur on Hwy 197 (If starting from The Dalles, follow these directions in reverse). Turn right on Boyd Loop Road (marked "Boyd Road" if coming from the north). Take Boyd Loop for 2.4 miles to Long Hollow Road. Take Long Hollow for 6.5 miles to Center Ridge Market Road. Take Center Ridge north for 3.2 miles and turn right on Emerson-Roberts Market Road. Take Emerson-Roberts for 6.3 miles to 15-mile Road. Turn right and take 15-mile Road for 17 miles to eastern The Dalles ( a side trip on Freebridge Road will take you about three miles to the Deschutes River Canyon). There are numerous side roads and mini loops that can be done off of this route so a local map can come in handy.
Habitat and Birds: With the exception of a few creek crossings, this loop takes you through sagebrush and dryland farms along with a little bit of natural grasslands. Not much is known about the birds along this route so it is important that you report your sightings if you decide to explore this route.
Frog Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 62 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 30 D-4 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 09” N 121 41’ 40” W
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Location: From the junction of Hwys 26 and 35 near Mt. Hood, go south on 26 about five miles to Frog Lake. This is about 40 miles north of Warm Springs. The lake is not visible from Hwy 26. Just 0.5 miles north of the lake is a pullout area with a big parking lot. Take the Forest Road 2610 south from the parking lot to the lake. Bird this whole area for mountain species.
Habitat and Birds: Typical Cascade Mountain species are found here. Red Crossbill, Western Tanager, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Hermit Warbler, and Olive-sided Flycatcher should be present.
Clear Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 62 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 30 D-4 geographic coordinates 45 10’ 51” N 121 41’ 52” W
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Location: Clear Lake is off of Hwy 26 about seven miles south of the junction between Hwy 26 and Hwy 35 near Mt. Hood. It is 38 miles north of Warm Springs.
Habitat and Birds: Typical Cascade Mountain species are found here. Red Crossbill, Western Tanager, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Hermit Warbler, and Olive-sided Flycatcher should be present. Common Golden-eye, Barrow's Golden-eye, and Hooded Merganser can be here. Pileated Woodpecker is just one of several woodpeckers in the area. Osprey and Northern Pygmy-Owl both nest here.
Timothy Lake Snow Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 62 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 30 D-4 geographic coordinates 45 10’ 28” N 121 40’ 43” W
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Location: This snow park is right off of Hwy 26 on the road to Timothy Lake. Timothy Lake is in Clackamas County but the snow park is in Wasco County. Timothy Lake Snow Park is off of Hwy 26 about nine miles south of the junction between Hwy 26 and Hwy 35 near Mt. Hood. It is 36 miles north of Warm Springs.
Habitat and Birds: Typical Cascade Mountain species are found here. Red Crossbill, Western Tanager, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Hermit Warbler, and Olive-sided Flycatcher should be present.
Camas Prairie return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 26 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 E-6 geographic coordinates 45 08’ 11” N 121 34’ 01” W
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Location: This area is located about 20 miles SE of Government Camp off of Hwy 216. From the junction of Hwy 26 and 216, travel two miles and look for a dirt road on your left (north). This road is called Frog Creek Road or NFD 2131. Travel north on the 2131 road for about a mile. There will be a clearcut on your left and the prairie (obscured by trees) will be on your right. To access the east side of the prairie, go back to 216 and continue east for another 1.6 miles to Keep's Mill Road. Look for a sign that says Keep's Mill. Go across Clear Creek Ditch, down a hill and turn left, across a very noisy cattle guard. Continue to the old corral. That is the first overlook of the Prairie. There is a creek going W-E. Caution: if you go across the creek into the meadow be careful. There are concealed “ponds” that get covered over by the grass. Craig Corder tried it once and came back, saying it was dangerous. There are plenty of regular forest birds here but it is also a good place for American Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Northern Goshawk, and lots of other species.
Habitat and Birds: This is a very nice section of forest that is very productive. Though patch-worked with clear-cuts, the forest remains productive enough to attract many species. A list might include Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Warbler, Western Tanager, and Chipping Sparrow.
Rock Creek Reservoir return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-7 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 20” N 121 22’ 55” W
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Location: To reach Rock Creek Reservoir from Hwy 26 near Clear Lake, take Forest Road 43 (3.7 miles south of the Clear Lake Road) for 5.8 miles to the 48 Road. Take the 48 Road south and then east for 15 miles to Rock Creek Reservoir. From Hwy 197 at Tygh Valley, take Wamic Market Road to Wamic and Rock Creek Road from Wamic to Rock Creek Reservoir. The total distance from the highway is 11.8 miles.
Habitat and Birds: This mountain lake is surrounded by marshy areas and ponderosa pine. It is located near the pine-sage transition zone so it can be quite active. Birds that are expected here include Common Loon, Varied Thrush, White-headed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, and MacGillivray's Warbler.
Smock Prairie return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 09’ 31” N 121 21’ 46” W
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Location: Travel .75 miles southwest of Wamic on Rock Creek Road. Turn left on Smock Road and take this road 5.4 miles to the prairie area.
Habitat and Birds: There are few reports from this area so please report your findings so we can build a species list for this site.
Pine Grove return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 31” N 121 21’ 49” W
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Location: Located on the edge of the ponderosa pine forest, you reach Pine Grove by taking Hwy 216 north of Maupin and traveling west for 13 miles.
Habitat and Birds: Species here include Wild Turkey, Mountain Quail, Bald Eagle, and the regular pine species. Anna's Hummingbird has been seen in this area. Check just east of Pine Grove on Victor Rd. for Grasshopper Sparrow. This is a known nesting location for this species.
Wapinitia return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 50” N 121 15’ 22” W
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Location: Travel north of Maupin on Hwy 197 for 2.4 miles. Turn west on Hwy 216 and travel 7.4 miles to Wapinitia Market Road. Take this road south for one mile to Wapinitia.
Habitat and Birds: This area has produced Western Scrub-Jay in the past, and also Hooded Oriole.
Pine Hollow Reservoir return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-8 geographic coordinates 45 14’ 54” N 121 17’ 40” W
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Location: From Hwy 197 at Tygh Valley, take Wamic Market Road to Wamic. Take Dodson Road east from Wamic for one mile. Turn north on South County Road for one mile to the reservoir. There are multiple roads around the lake. You can use these to view different areas of the lake. Another option is to take Price Road north out of Wamic and then west on Ross Road to the N. Pine Hollow Access Road.
Habitat and Birds: Common Loon, Western Grebe, Osprey and Lewis's Woodpecker have all been seen here among other species.
Price Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-9 geographic coordinates 45 15’ 05” N 121 16’ 36” W
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Location: From Wamic, travel north on Price Road for two miles until Price "T"s with Ross Road.
Habitat and Birds: Birds here include Osprey, Lewis's Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western and Mountain Bluebird, many species of ducks on little ponds, shorebirds, geese, and blackbirds.
Dodson Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-8 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 46” N 121 16’ 09” W
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Location: Dodson Road travels east from Wamic for about a mile. There is a good pond on this road that has been very productive in the past.
Habitat and Birds: Open farmland and ponds. Ducks and geese are here along with Lewis's Woodpecker.
Tygh Valley return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-9 geographic coordinates 45 14’ 58” N 121 10’ 08” W
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Location: Tygh Valley is at the junction of Hwy 197 & 216 about 28 miles south of The Dalles and nine miles north of Maupin. Bird the town and the road out of Tygh Valley toward Wamic (Wamic Valley Road).
Habitat and Birds: A list of birds from this area includes Redhead, Wild Turkey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Swainson's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Bonaparte's Gull, Gray Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, and Black-headed Grosbeak.
White River Falls State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 14’ 44” N 121 05’ 50” W
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Location: Just north of Tygh Valley, turn east on Hwy 216 and travel four miles to the park entrance.
Habitat and Birds: This riparian canyon area can produce Common Nighthawk, shorebirds, American Dipper, and Bullock's Oriole.
Sherar's Bridge return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 B-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-1 geographic coordinates 45 15’ 39” N 121 02’ 10” W
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Location: From the south end of the bridge that crosses the Deschutes River at Maupin, take the Deschutes River Road (dirt road that follows the river) for eight miles to Sherar's Bridge. An alternate method that creates a nice loop is to start at Tygh Valley and take Hwy 216 about eight miles to Sherar's Bridge.
Habitat and Birds: You will travel through canyon country here. Listen for Rock Wrens, Canyon Wrens, Chukar, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Yellow Warbler as you bird your way through this area.
Oak Springs Fish Hatchery Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 12’ 54” N 121 07’ 23” W
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Location: From Tygh Valley, travel south four miles on Hwy 197 to Oak Springs Hatchery Road. Take this road 3.2 miles to the hatchery.
Habitat and Birds: This road starts in arid grassland habitat and ends in the lush riparian vegetation on the Deschutes River. Listen for Rock Wrens, Canyon Wrens, Chukar, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Black-capped Chickadee as you bird your way through this area.
Maupin return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 10’ 29” N 121 04’ 54” W
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Location: Maupin is located on Hwy 197 about 38 miles south of The Dalles and 46 miles north of Madras. It is nestled on the bluffs above the Deschutes River. A very productive side trip from Maupin is to take the road east and/or west from Maupin along the Deschutes River. Cross the bridge going south out of Maupin and take the access road right or left.
Habitat and Birds: Like many little towns in eastern Oregon, Dufur provides shade trees for migrants, bird feeders, and permanent habitat for birds. Watch for Western Scrub-Jay and Eurasian Collared-Dove since they are expanding their range into central Oregon. Both directions along the Deschutes River will bring you in contact with dry canyon slopes that host Chukar and sagebrush species. Check the "seeps" in winter as they can often harbor surprises. The microclimate created by the river will produce temperatures that are often more mild than the surrounding area. Wintering warblers and other species can be found in these green seeps.
Kah-nee-ta return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 57 B-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 37 B-9 geographic coordinates 44˚ 51’ 42” N 121 12’ 05” W
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Resort Website
Location: From the junction of Hwy 26 and 216 south of Mt. Hood, travel south on 26 for about 14 miles to the junction of 26 and the Simnasho Road. It is well signed to Kah-nee-ta Resort. Take Simnasho Road to Simnasho (about 7 miles) and then turn south on Simnasho Hot Springs Road for about 13 miles to Warm Springs Road. Take Warm Springs Road into Kah-nee-tah. A good side trip is to explore the Kah-nee-ta Fish Hatchery. The hatchery is five miles northwest of Kah-nee-ta Hot Springs Resort. After Passing through Simnasho, turn right on Simnasho-Hot Springs Road (Highway 3). Drive 10 miles, turn right at the fish hatchery sign. From Warm Springs, take Agency Hot Springs Road (Highway 3) north from Warm Springs. Three miles north of the Warm Springs River take a left at fish hatchery sign.
Habitat and Birds: Both Barrow's and Common Goldeneye can be found here in spring and fall. There is abundant riparian vegetation in this area so Lazuli Buntings and Western Wood-pewees are common. Listen for Ash-throated Flycatchers and Gray Flycatchers in the junipers along the valleys.
Cow Canyon return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 80 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 76 A-1 geographic coordinates 44˚ 50’ 10” N 12055’ 47” W
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Location: Cow Canyon climbs out of Willowdale going north toward the Columbia River. This is in the southern edge of the county but is on Hwy 97 which is the main road through the area. Travel 17.6 miles north of Madras on Hwy 97. This location is 23 miles south of Maupin and 70 miles south of the Columbia River at Biggs Junction.
Habitat and Birds: This area is under-birded because it is next to Hwy 97 and most people don't stop. There are pockets of oak trees here that could harbor migrants and local nesters.
Laurence Memorial Grasslands Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 80 A-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 76 A-2 geographic coordinates 45 56’ 47” N 121 47’ 15” W
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Location: From Shaniko: Head south (actually SSW) on Highway 218 towards Antelope. Proceed approximately 3.7 miles south, then turn right (west) onto an unnamed, county-maintained dirt road (Rooper Road on some maps). Signs say the road is not maintained in winter, but it is graded once a year and any vehicle can negotiate it safely in dry conditions. If you find yourself dropping into a canyon you’ve gone about 0.5 miles too far. Note: Even with 4WD the road can be slippery and treacherous during heavy rains. Go west on the unnamed county road — which proceeds at a level or sometimes slightly downhill grade— for 3.2 miles, to the locked gate. This is the south east corner of the preserve. There is a sign and stairs over the barbed wire fence. The road becomes private at this point and even if by chance the gate is open, do not drive on further west as the gate may be locked again at any time and is also locked on the other end. You may however, walk on the road to gain access to the former preserve entrance in the middle of the south boundary of the preserve. This gives better direct access to the central and western portions of the preserve.
Habitat and Birds: One of Oregon's best kept secrets, this location is not often birded but offers the birder a true glimpse into the past and a chance to bird habitat that closely resembles native grasslands. Western Meadowlarks sing thoughout the summer while Savannah and Vesper Sparrows nest in good numbers. Grasshopper Sparrow may occur here but that is for future birding sojourns to determine. This is a good place to stop on the way to or from Antelope or Clarno.
Antelope return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 80 A-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 76 A-2 geographic coordinates 45 54’ 32” N 121 43’ 16” W
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Location: Antelope is located eight miles south of Shaniko on Hwy 218. If coming from the south, take Hwy 293 just north of Willowdale and travel 14 miles to Antelope.
Habitat and Birds: This tiny town can produce some interesting finds. Western Scrub-Jay, Tri-colored Blackbird, Bushtit, and both goldfinch can be found nearby. Both Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks can be in town. In the canyon areas around the town, look for Canyon Wren, Rock Wrens, and Chukar. Both shrikes are present in season and Rough-legged Hawks reside here in winter.
Clarno return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 80 A-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 76 A-3 geographic coordinates 45 54’ 53” N 12028’ 23” W
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Location: From Antelope (see above), travel east on Hwy 218 for 15 miles to the John Day River Bridge and Clarno. The west side of the river is in Wasco County and the east side is in Wheeler County. There are roads, both north and south, that follow the river here. Be careful to respect private property here.
Habitat and Birds: Riparian habitats along the John Day River. This is a main thoroughfare for migrating passerines and can be very productive during migration (especially fall migration). Chukars and Ring-necked Pheasants can be seen and heard in the surrounding farm fields. Both bluebirds are present and Bushtit flit through the sagebrush and juniper. White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows are abundant here in migration, and some stay for the winter.
Birding Wasco County
Twin Tunnels – Mosier return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-7 - geographic coordinates 45 41’ 03” N 121 23’ 58” W
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Twin Tunnels Info
Twin Tunnels Map
Link to Oregon Cascades Birding Trails Document. Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. Hood Trail Guide. Go to site # 9.
Location: This five mile trail starts in Mosier and ends in Hood River (or the other way around). The tunnels are about a mile from the parking lot and the county border with Hood River County is two miles from the Mosier side. Mosier is located off of Interstate 84 six miles east of Hood River and 14 miles west of The Dalles. Take exit 69 off I-84 and turn to the west on Rock Creek Road. Take this road for 0.5 miles and watch for the parking area and signs to the trail.
Habitat and Birds: This location has the potential to be as productive as the more famous trail at Deschutes River State Park. Migrants should be expected here and lots of locals like Black-capped Chickadee and Bewick's Wren should be around anytime of year. You can view the river from here and find rafts of ducks, grebes, and loons.
Mosier Waterfront Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-7 - geographic coordinates 45 41’ 05” N 121 24’ 06” W
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Link to Oregon Cascades Birding Trails Document. Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Mt. Hood Trail Guide. Go to site # 8.
Location: Take Exit 69 off of I-84 at Mosier. Go right at Rock Creek Rd for 500 yards to the gravel parking area.
Habitat and Birds: There are five miles of trails through wetland and upland habitats. Species expected here are Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Vaux's Swift, Osprey, Blue-winged Teal, Anna's Hummingbird, Cliff Swallow, and both eagles.
Memaloose State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 D-8 geographic coordinates 45 41’ 44” N 121 20’ 20” W
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Oregon State Parks Website
Location: The park is off of I-84 nine miles east of Hood River and 11 miles west of The Dalles.
Habitat and Birds: Shade trees and open grass next to the Columbia River. Migrants seen here include Lewis's Woodpecker, Anna's Hummingbird, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Varied Thrush, Nashville Warbler, and Vaux's Swift.
Tom McCall Nature Conservancy Preserve At Rowena return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-6 - DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 40’ 14” N 121 15’ 24” W
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Nature Conservancy Website Including Video
Location: From I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge take either the Mosier exit (five miles E of Hood River) or the Rowena exit (eight miles W of The Dalles). From Mosier, go E on the Old Scenic Highway (US 30). Beyond milepost 6 the preserve is on both sides of the highway. Park at the Rowena Crest viewpoint or at the trailhead on Highway 30. There are two trails on the preserve. The one-mile plateau trail begins at the interpretive sign at the entrance to the preserve. It crosses the plateau to cliff edges and encircles a permanent pond. The three-mile McCall Point trail, open May through November, begins from the S side of the turnaround and gains 1,000 feet in elevation. At the top, visitors are rewarded with expansive views of the Columbia Gorge and Cascade mountain peaks. The preserve is often windy, and visitors should beware of ticks, rattlesnakes and poison oak. Spring wildflowers are most abundant in April and May. There are special regulations for accessing this location: Preserve Visitation Guidelines
Habitat and Birds: More than 300 plant species, including grass widows, prairie stars, shooting stars, balsamroot, lupine and Indian paintbrush thrive here. The preserve is so diverse partly because it lies in the transition zone between the moist, heavily-forested west side of the Cascades and the drier bunchgrass prairies of the east. The plateau hosts one of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in Oregon. Beginning in late February and running through early summer, the ground is carpeted in a sea of color as one species after another blooms and fades. Both amateur and professional botanists from all over the northwest come each year to marvel at the beauty.
Mayer State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 40’ 38” N 121 16’ 44” W
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Oregon State Park Website
Location: The park is located off I-84 at exit 76. This is about six miles west of The Dalles and about 23 miles east of Hood River. Follow the signs to the park.
Habitat and Birds: Many migrants occupy the trees lining the Columbia River and river views will produce rafts of ducks and gulls.
The Dalles Discovery Center return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 39’ 13” N 121 12’ 37” W
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Discovery Center Website
Location: From The Dalles, take Hwy 30 west for 1.4 miles to Discovery Road. Turn right and this road will lead you to the center. Walk the trail system around the center and the parking lot.
Habitat and Birds: You can view the river here and often rafts of ducks will be present. The trees lining the pond in back of the center can hold migrants.
The Dalles Riverfront Park and Trail return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 D-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 F-10 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 59” N 121 09’ 46” W
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Riverfront Trail Website Map of Riverfront Trail
Location: Take exit 85 off of I-84 in The Dalles. Make your way to the river and use the map above to find the access points.
Habitat and Birds: This park gives great views of the Columbia River and its inhabitants. Tree-lined trails produce migrants and river views make for the best birding of the river in the county. Species seen here include Greater White-fronted Geese, Wood Duck, Canvasback, both scaup species, goldeneye, grebes, Osprey, shorebirds, many species of gulls, Common Tern, Caspian Tern, Western Kingbird, American Pipit, and Cedar Waxwing to name a few.
The Dalles Dam(Seafert Park) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 69 D-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 25 E-10 geographic coordinates 45 37’ 13” N 121 06’ 55” W
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Location: For the best viewing below the dam, take exit 87 in The Dalles and travel north on Hwy 197 for a short distance. Turn right (east) on Bret Clodfelter Way and travel about a mile to the visitor center at Seuffert Park. View the area below the dam from this park.
Habitat and Birds: Birds congregate at the dam and feed on the churned up flotsom that comes through the turbines. Gulls, loons, grebes, and ducks are common here.
Mouth of the Deschutes River return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 C-1 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 04” N 12054’ 51” W
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Location: From I-84, take the Hwy 206 Exit (Exit 97) to Fulton Canyon. Follow Hwy 26 for 2.5 miles to Old Moody Road. Take this road to the river mouth.
Habitat and Birds: This can be one of the most productive areas in the county. Most birders do their viewing from the Sherman County side of the river but many of the same species can be seen from the Wasco County side. Walk under the freeway to get views of the river mouth.
Dufur return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 A-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 A-10 geographic coordinates 45 27’ 07” N 121 07’ 51” W
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Location: Dufur is located off of Hwy 197 about 12 miles south of The Dalles.
Habitat and Birds: Like many little towns in eastern Oregon, Dufur provides shade trees for migrants, bird feeders, and permanent habitat for birds. Watch for Western Scrub-Jay and Eurasian Collared-Dove since they are expanding their range into central Oregon. Check out the sewage ponds on the SE corner of town. Take First Street west from Hwy 97 and the ponds are on your left. You can also view these ponds from the baseball field. Go west on First to Main. Turn left and take another left on Hogan's Alley. Follow this road to the ball fields, and the ponds are on the very eastern edge of the complex. Treated effluent from these ponds goes into Three-mile Creek and this area offers good passerine birding.
Center Ridge Road Loop return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 84 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 D-1 geographic coordinates 45 24’ 33” N 120 58’ 49” W
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Location: This route offers the birder a look at the drier side of Wasco County. Begin three miles north of Dufur on Hwy 197 (If starting from The Dalles, follow these directions in reverse). Turn right on Boyd Loop Road (marked "Boyd Road" if coming from the north). Take Boyd Loop for 2.4 miles to Long Hollow Road. Take Long Hollow for 6.5 miles to Center Ridge Market Road. Take Center Ridge north for 3.2 miles and turn right on Emerson-Roberts Market Road. Take Emerson-Roberts for 6.3 miles to 15-mile Road. Turn right and take 15-mile Road for 17 miles to eastern The Dalles ( a side trip on Freebridge Road will take you about three miles to the Deschutes River Canyon). There are numerous side roads and mini loops that can be done off of this route so a local map can come in handy.
Habitat and Birds: With the exception of a few creek crossings, this loop takes you through sagebrush and dryland farms along with a little bit of natural grasslands. Not much is known about the birds along this route so it is important that you report your sightings if you decide to explore this route.
Frog Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 62 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 30 D-4 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 09” N 121 41’ 40” W
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Location: From the junction of Hwys 26 and 35 near Mt. Hood, go south on 26 about five miles to Frog Lake. This is about 40 miles north of Warm Springs. The lake is not visible from Hwy 26. Just 0.5 miles north of the lake is a pullout area with a big parking lot. Take the Forest Road 2610 south from the parking lot to the lake. Bird this whole area for mountain species.
Habitat and Birds: Typical Cascade Mountain species are found here. Red Crossbill, Western Tanager, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Hermit Warbler, and Olive-sided Flycatcher should be present.
Clear Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 62 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 30 D-4 geographic coordinates 45 10’ 51” N 121 41’ 52” W
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Location: Clear Lake is off of Hwy 26 about seven miles south of the junction between Hwy 26 and Hwy 35 near Mt. Hood. It is 38 miles north of Warm Springs.
Habitat and Birds: Typical Cascade Mountain species are found here. Red Crossbill, Western Tanager, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Hermit Warbler, and Olive-sided Flycatcher should be present. Common Golden-eye, Barrow's Golden-eye, and Hooded Merganser can be here. Pileated Woodpecker is just one of several woodpeckers in the area. Osprey and Northern Pygmy-Owl both nest here.
Timothy Lake Snow Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 62 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 30 D-4 geographic coordinates 45 10’ 28” N 121 40’ 43” W
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Location: This snow park is right off of Hwy 26 on the road to Timothy Lake. Timothy Lake is in Clackamas County but the snow park is in Wasco County. Timothy Lake Snow Park is off of Hwy 26 about nine miles south of the junction between Hwy 26 and Hwy 35 near Mt. Hood. It is 36 miles north of Warm Springs.
Habitat and Birds: Typical Cascade Mountain species are found here. Red Crossbill, Western Tanager, Cassin's Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Hermit Warbler, and Olive-sided Flycatcher should be present.
Camas Prairie return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 26 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 E-6 geographic coordinates 45 08’ 11” N 121 34’ 01” W
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Location: This area is located about 20 miles SE of Government Camp off of Hwy 216. From the junction of Hwy 26 and 216, travel two miles and look for a dirt road on your left (north). This road is called Frog Creek Road or NFD 2131. Travel north on the 2131 road for about a mile. There will be a clearcut on your left and the prairie (obscured by trees) will be on your right. To access the east side of the prairie, go back to 216 and continue east for another 1.6 miles to Keep's Mill Road. Look for a sign that says Keep's Mill. Go across Clear Creek Ditch, down a hill and turn left, across a very noisy cattle guard. Continue to the old corral. That is the first overlook of the Prairie. There is a creek going W-E. Caution: if you go across the creek into the meadow be careful. There are concealed “ponds” that get covered over by the grass. Craig Corder tried it once and came back, saying it was dangerous. There are plenty of regular forest birds here but it is also a good place for American Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Northern Goshawk, and lots of other species.
Habitat and Birds: This is a very nice section of forest that is very productive. Though patch-worked with clear-cuts, the forest remains productive enough to attract many species. A list might include Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Warbler, Western Tanager, and Chipping Sparrow.
Rock Creek Reservoir return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-7 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 20” N 121 22’ 55” W
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Location: To reach Rock Creek Reservoir from Hwy 26 near Clear Lake, take Forest Road 43 (3.7 miles south of the Clear Lake Road) for 5.8 miles to the 48 Road. Take the 48 Road south and then east for 15 miles to Rock Creek Reservoir. From Hwy 197 at Tygh Valley, take Wamic Market Road to Wamic and Rock Creek Road from Wamic to Rock Creek Reservoir. The total distance from the highway is 11.8 miles.
Habitat and Birds: This mountain lake is surrounded by marshy areas and ponderosa pine. It is located near the pine-sage transition zone so it can be quite active. Birds that are expected here include Common Loon, Varied Thrush, White-headed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, and MacGillivray's Warbler.
Smock Prairie return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 09’ 31” N 121 21’ 46” W
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Location: Travel .75 miles southwest of Wamic on Rock Creek Road. Turn left on Smock Road and take this road 5.4 miles to the prairie area.
Habitat and Birds: There are few reports from this area so please report your findings so we can build a species list for this site.
Pine Grove return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 E-8 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 31” N 121 21’ 49” W
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Location: Located on the edge of the ponderosa pine forest, you reach Pine Grove by taking Hwy 216 north of Maupin and traveling west for 13 miles.
Habitat and Birds: Species here include Wild Turkey, Mountain Quail, Bald Eagle, and the regular pine species. Anna's Hummingbird has been seen in this area. Check just east of Pine Grove on Victor Rd. for Grasshopper Sparrow. This is a known nesting location for this species.
Wapinitia return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 E-9 geographic coordinates 45 06’ 50” N 121 15’ 22” W
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Location: Travel north of Maupin on Hwy 197 for 2.4 miles. Turn west on Hwy 216 and travel 7.4 miles to Wapinitia Market Road. Take this road south for one mile to Wapinitia.
Habitat and Birds: This area has produced Western Scrub-Jay in the past, and also Hooded Oriole.
Pine Hollow Reservoir return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-8 geographic coordinates 45 14’ 54” N 121 17’ 40” W
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Location: From Hwy 197 at Tygh Valley, take Wamic Market Road to Wamic. Take Dodson Road east from Wamic for one mile. Turn north on South County Road for one mile to the reservoir. There are multiple roads around the lake. You can use these to view different areas of the lake. Another option is to take Price Road north out of Wamic and then west on Ross Road to the N. Pine Hollow Access Road.
Habitat and Birds: Common Loon, Western Grebe, Osprey and Lewis's Woodpecker have all been seen here among other species.
Price Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-9 geographic coordinates 45 15’ 05” N 121 16’ 36” W
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Location: From Wamic, travel north on Price Road for two miles until Price "T"s with Ross Road.
Habitat and Birds: Birds here include Osprey, Lewis's Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western and Mountain Bluebird, many species of ducks on little ponds, shorebirds, geese, and blackbirds.
Dodson Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-8 geographic coordinates 45 13’ 46” N 121 16’ 09” W
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Location: Dodson Road travels east from Wamic for about a mile. There is a good pond on this road that has been very productive in the past.
Habitat and Birds: Open farmland and ponds. Ducks and geese are here along with Lewis's Woodpecker.
Tygh Valley return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-9 geographic coordinates 45 14’ 58” N 121 10’ 08” W
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Location: Tygh Valley is at the junction of Hwy 197 & 216 about 28 miles south of The Dalles and nine miles north of Maupin. Bird the town and the road out of Tygh Valley toward Wamic (Wamic Valley Road).
Habitat and Birds: A list of birds from this area includes Redhead, Wild Turkey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Swainson's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Bonaparte's Gull, Gray Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, and Black-headed Grosbeak.
White River Falls State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 14’ 44” N 121 05’ 50” W
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Location: Just north of Tygh Valley, turn east on Hwy 216 and travel four miles to the park entrance.
Habitat and Birds: This riparian canyon area can produce Common Nighthawk, shorebirds, American Dipper, and Bullock's Oriole.
Sherar's Bridge return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 B-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 72 E-1 geographic coordinates 45 15’ 39” N 121 02’ 10” W
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Location: From the south end of the bridge that crosses the Deschutes River at Maupin, take the Deschutes River Road (dirt road that follows the river) for eight miles to Sherar's Bridge. An alternate method that creates a nice loop is to start at Tygh Valley and take Hwy 216 about eight miles to Sherar's Bridge.
Habitat and Birds: You will travel through canyon country here. Listen for Rock Wrens, Canyon Wrens, Chukar, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Yellow Warbler as you bird your way through this area.
Oak Springs Fish Hatchery Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 12’ 54” N 121 07’ 23” W
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Location: From Tygh Valley, travel south four miles on Hwy 197 to Oak Springs Hatchery Road. Take this road 3.2 miles to the hatchery.
Habitat and Birds: This road starts in arid grassland habitat and ends in the lush riparian vegetation on the Deschutes River. Listen for Rock Wrens, Canyon Wrens, Chukar, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Black-capped Chickadee as you bird your way through this area.
Maupin return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 63 C-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 31 D-10 geographic coordinates 45 10’ 29” N 121 04’ 54” W
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Location: Maupin is located on Hwy 197 about 38 miles south of The Dalles and 46 miles north of Madras. It is nestled on the bluffs above the Deschutes River. A very productive side trip from Maupin is to take the road east and/or west from Maupin along the Deschutes River. Cross the bridge going south out of Maupin and take the access road right or left.
Habitat and Birds: Like many little towns in eastern Oregon, Dufur provides shade trees for migrants, bird feeders, and permanent habitat for birds. Watch for Western Scrub-Jay and Eurasian Collared-Dove since they are expanding their range into central Oregon. Both directions along the Deschutes River will bring you in contact with dry canyon slopes that host Chukar and sagebrush species. Check the "seeps" in winter as they can often harbor surprises. The microclimate created by the river will produce temperatures that are often more mild than the surrounding area. Wintering warblers and other species can be found in these green seeps.
Kah-nee-ta return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 57 B-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 37 B-9 geographic coordinates 44˚ 51’ 42” N 121 12’ 05” W
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Resort Website
Location: From the junction of Hwy 26 and 216 south of Mt. Hood, travel south on 26 for about 14 miles to the junction of 26 and the Simnasho Road. It is well signed to Kah-nee-ta Resort. Take Simnasho Road to Simnasho (about 7 miles) and then turn south on Simnasho Hot Springs Road for about 13 miles to Warm Springs Road. Take Warm Springs Road into Kah-nee-tah. A good side trip is to explore the Kah-nee-ta Fish Hatchery. The hatchery is five miles northwest of Kah-nee-ta Hot Springs Resort. After Passing through Simnasho, turn right on Simnasho-Hot Springs Road (Highway 3). Drive 10 miles, turn right at the fish hatchery sign. From Warm Springs, take Agency Hot Springs Road (Highway 3) north from Warm Springs. Three miles north of the Warm Springs River take a left at fish hatchery sign.
Habitat and Birds: Both Barrow's and Common Goldeneye can be found here in spring and fall. There is abundant riparian vegetation in this area so Lazuli Buntings and Western Wood-pewees are common. Listen for Ash-throated Flycatchers and Gray Flycatchers in the junipers along the valleys.
Cow Canyon return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 80 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 76 A-1 geographic coordinates 44˚ 50’ 10” N 12055’ 47” W
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Location: Cow Canyon climbs out of Willowdale going north toward the Columbia River. This is in the southern edge of the county but is on Hwy 97 which is the main road through the area. Travel 17.6 miles north of Madras on Hwy 97. This location is 23 miles south of Maupin and 70 miles south of the Columbia River at Biggs Junction.
Habitat and Birds: This area is under-birded because it is next to Hwy 97 and most people don't stop. There are pockets of oak trees here that could harbor migrants and local nesters.
Laurence Memorial Grasslands Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 80 A-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 76 A-2 geographic coordinates 45 56’ 47” N 121 47’ 15” W
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Location: From Shaniko: Head south (actually SSW) on Highway 218 towards Antelope. Proceed approximately 3.7 miles south, then turn right (west) onto an unnamed, county-maintained dirt road (Rooper Road on some maps). Signs say the road is not maintained in winter, but it is graded once a year and any vehicle can negotiate it safely in dry conditions. If you find yourself dropping into a canyon you’ve gone about 0.5 miles too far. Note: Even with 4WD the road can be slippery and treacherous during heavy rains. Go west on the unnamed county road — which proceeds at a level or sometimes slightly downhill grade— for 3.2 miles, to the locked gate. This is the south east corner of the preserve. There is a sign and stairs over the barbed wire fence. The road becomes private at this point and even if by chance the gate is open, do not drive on further west as the gate may be locked again at any time and is also locked on the other end. You may however, walk on the road to gain access to the former preserve entrance in the middle of the south boundary of the preserve. This gives better direct access to the central and western portions of the preserve.
Habitat and Birds: One of Oregon's best kept secrets, this location is not often birded but offers the birder a true glimpse into the past and a chance to bird habitat that closely resembles native grasslands. Western Meadowlarks sing thoughout the summer while Savannah and Vesper Sparrows nest in good numbers. Grasshopper Sparrow may occur here but that is for future birding sojourns to determine. This is a good place to stop on the way to or from Antelope or Clarno.
Antelope return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 80 A-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 76 A-2 geographic coordinates 45 54’ 32” N 121 43’ 16” W
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Location: Antelope is located eight miles south of Shaniko on Hwy 218. If coming from the south, take Hwy 293 just north of Willowdale and travel 14 miles to Antelope.
Habitat and Birds: This tiny town can produce some interesting finds. Western Scrub-Jay, Tri-colored Blackbird, Bushtit, and both goldfinch can be found nearby. Both Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks can be in town. In the canyon areas around the town, look for Canyon Wren, Rock Wrens, and Chukar. Both shrikes are present in season and Rough-legged Hawks reside here in winter.
Clarno return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 80 A-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 76 A-3 geographic coordinates 45 54’ 53” N 12028’ 23” W
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Location: From Antelope (see above), travel east on Hwy 218 for 15 miles to the John Day River Bridge and Clarno. The west side of the river is in Wasco County and the east side is in Wheeler County. There are roads, both north and south, that follow the river here. Be careful to respect private property here.
Habitat and Birds: Riparian habitats along the John Day River. This is a main thoroughfare for migrating passerines and can be very productive during migration (especially fall migration). Chukars and Ring-necked Pheasants can be seen and heard in the surrounding farm fields. Both bluebirds are present and Bushtit flit through the sagebrush and juniper. White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows are abundant here in migration, and some stay for the winter.