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The Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of 29,370 acres of marshes, sloughs, open water, cropland and sagebrush uplands.
Located along the Columbia River in the vicinity of Irrigon, Oregon, the refuge provides nesting area for Great Basin Canada geese and several species of ducks.
The refuge is home each winter to more than 300,000 migratory waterfowl. The largest number of ducks on the refuge at one time was 458,000 on November 13, 1983.
Mammals include mule deer, coyote and many smaller species. Walleye, steelhead, salmon, sturgeon, crappie and bass are found in refuge waters.
A wildlife observation tower, photo blind, nature trail, and auto tour route are available on the McCormack Unit. The other units — Boardman, Patterson, Ridge and Whitcomb Island — have vehicle access and parking lots.
Ponds and marshes are the best places to find the migrating and wintering waterfowl and bald eagles.
Long-billed curlews are most often seen in the spring in cropland areas. In summer, burrowing owls are seen on shrubs and fences along the road.
Fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, walleye, and bass is popular on the Columbia River. A boat ramp is available at Patterson.
Regulated deer, waterfowl and upland game bird hunting are permitted.
Annual events include Long-Billed Curlew Day in mid-March or early April, National Wildlife Refuge Week events in October, and a slide lecture series on local natural resource issues in spring.
The administrative office for the refuge is the Mid-Columbia River Complex located in Pasco, Washington 99301.
Outdoor Activities |
