McNary Wildlife Nature Loop

The McNary Wildlife refuge is broken into multiple sub-parks as they are spread out along the Columbia River near Burbank, WA. The Burbank Slough is a bird watchers paradise, offering a photography bird blind right on the shore. The Bird blind is only about a hundred yards from the parking at the McNary Refuge headquarters, and is wheelchair accessible.  There are many species of wildlife that ...

Taking a drive off the main highway that connects Umatilla, Oregon to the popular wine town of Walla Walla can lead to some very scenic views of the Stateline Wind Farm. On Gerkling Flat Road outside of Athena, Oregon you can drive right next to these colossal towers and see how a growing renewable energy is generated. One of the best times to go is when the Walla Walla Valley fills with fog, a...

While there are many desert landscapes and sand dunes in Eastern Washington, most are not located in a National Monument and Wildlife Refuge. The Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is a part of Hanford Reach National Monument, which was once home to a nuclear processing facility as a part of the Manhattan Project. Because of its protected status, wildlife proliferates in this region and i...

Starting near the entrance to the fee-free Cottonwood Canyon State Park, which is one of Oregon's newest state Parks, find the large sign for the start of the Pinnacles Trail.  This park was formerly a ranch, and this largely flat trail runs along an erstwhile ranch road that follows the John Day River. Undulating 4.3 miles into the canyon, you may catch glimpses of wildlife like elk, big horn ...

Back in early 2014, a group of fifth-graders from nearby Washtucna, Washington were able to convince the governor to name Palouse Falls the official State Waterfall.These miniature John Muirs were on to something.Palouse Falls is every bit as accessible as it is spectacular. From the parking lot, walk about 50 feet to an overlook with interpretive signs and sturdy fences to guard you from the m...

A broken down, graffiti covered, abandoned school bus! Located 7 miles southwest of Washtucna, WA resides the social media named & famed, #thatnwbus. It's easy to find, easy to walk to and very close to Palouse Falls; a very popular and stunning Washington attraction. The bus is right off of Highway 260. If you're headed northeast, it will be on your right. Parking is easier from this direc...