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McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge


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National Park Overview
Nestled between the plains and the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge offers habitat for rare and endangered species and is a haven for breeding and migratory birds. The lack of other local wetland habitats elevates the importance of this refuge as a home to a variety of wildlife and plant species in an arid environment.

Aquatic habitats serve as resting and feeding areas for wintering waterfowl, while surrounding shrub-steppe and riparian corridors provide habitat for small mammals, mule deer, songbirds and birds of prey.

Osprey nest in cottonwoods and bald eagles are seen in the area in fall and winter. During late summer, exposed mud flats provide a source of food for migrating shorebirds. Situated only 5 miles south of the town of Pendleton, Oregon, the refuge receives almost 50,000 annual visitors, most during the summer months.

Upland bird hunting remains popular, with as many as 500 hunters each year pursuing pheasant and quail. Other visitors simply enjoy driving, walking, picnicking or observing the abundant wildlife and scenic beauty.

Fishing and Hunting
Fishing

An all-weather gravel road connecting 10 parking lots and 3 parking lots accessible from county roads provide access to key areas of the refuge. Two developed boat ramps provide access to the reservoir for boaters and anglers. The refuge road and boat ramps are open from March 1 to September 30. Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day during this period.

Hunting

Access for waterfowl and upland bird hunting is restricted to the three parking lots accessible from the county road. Reservoir water levels are often not sufficient for waterfowl hunting until late in the season.



More Info


Mid-Columbia River Complex -- Umatilla, OR Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge -- OR McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge -- OR Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge -- Umatilla, OR (Printed 6/94
...thern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Bird Checklists of the United States Master Table of Contents United States and Canada U.S. Canada Great Plains States Colorado -- Iowa -- Kansas -- Minnesota
...e McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge IUCN Management Category IV Biogeographical Province Geographical Location Seven miles south of Pendleton, Umatilla county, Oregon. Date and History of

National Wildlife Refuge HC 72, Box 245 Princeton, OR 97721-9305 (541) 493-2612 McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 700 Umatilla, OR 97882-0700 (541) 922-3232 Nestucca Bay National
...tilla Co., OR Hotels, Umatilla Co., Oregon Hotels
of sheep and cattle around. South of Pendleton, the McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge hosts a large number of migrating birds, mainly ducks

National Wildlife Refuge Washington Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Pierce National Wildlife Refuge Protection Island

13,063 feet) contains bristlecones more than 3,000 years old. OREGON?The McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge, - Pendleton (pop. 16,354), provides a resting and feeding area for Canada geese

From Pendleton, take Highway 395 south toward the town of Pilot Rock.

The refuge entrance is approximately 8 miles from Pendleton.

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge