McNary National Wildlife Refuge

Hiking

The Quail Trail is located at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and is just under two miles. The Peninsula Connector and Quarry Pond Trails hug the Curlew and Quarry Ponds and help provide access to that particular inlet of Lake Wallula, both clocking in around a quarter mile.

For a longer excursion up the mouth of the Walla Walla River, the Wallula Horse Trail (sometimes referred to as Madame Dorian) extends 4.47 miles through cottonwood and willow trees and past sage brush. The berms weaving throughout also provide wide, walkable areas to wander. Lastly, the only named trail in the refuge on the Oregon side is Juniper Canyon Trail. Although less than a quarter of a mile, the unique habitat is worth a visit.

Fishing

Some of the fish found in its waters include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish, walleye and salmon. Fishing regulations are highly specific and based on species and location, so make sure to consult with the governing agency directly. Quarry Pond is the only pond stocked by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Birding

Migration brings waves of species to the Wallula area, nesting in the basalt cliffs or foraging in the wetlands. The refuge is an ever-changing yet cyclical treasure to visit often. Wildlife watching opportunities in this area are numerous. The Blue Mountain Audubon Society periodically hosts field trips to the refuge. At refuge headquarters, a lovely path, the Quail Trail, leads to an observation bird blind, a truly immersive experience.

Local naturalist, birder, biologist extraordinaire, Mike Denny, shares his favorite spot on the refuge. Once you cross the Walla Walla River bridge just north of the junction of HWY 730 and HWY 12, watch for North Shore Drive and turn right. Once on North Shore Drive, keep left for 2.2 miles, heading east through sage brush and along a railroad track. You will pass an intersection with another gravel road leading to the south. Keep straight until you come to a second gravel road to the right (south). Take this right and drive until you reach the East Millet Pond Parking.

Park and walk to the southwest corner of this lot. Take the trail up and over the slope down to a gravel road. In fact, there are two parallel roads, one gravel to the left and one dirt to the right. This is the start of an outstanding bird walk that will take two hours or more in the spring. There are many migratory species as well as resident breeding species. Bird species in the spring are Sora, White-faced Ibis, Virginia Rail, Great Horned Owl, Bald Eagles, Yellow Warblers, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and many geese and ducks after early February. There are also Swamp Sparrows, Harris’ Sparrows, and Coopers Hawks in winter.

This is a site well worth exploring from March through October. Waterfowl hunting season starts mid-October, but hunting the area around the Millet and Woodland Ponds closes at 1 pm daily. Consult the Hunting Regulations—Wallula Unit tear sheet that helps all users understand the area. Check the e-bird list for this site to get an idea of what species to look for; the lists are under the McNary NWR–Millet & Woodland Ponds. From late June and lasting until September it can be 100+ degrees. This is an early morning spring and summer birding and walking retreat. Bring water and a hat!

Kayaking/ Paddleboarding

To launch your favorite human-powered water craft, consider the boat launch at Madame Dorian on the Walla Walla River. There are restricted areas, so it is best to gain familiarity with the map and boating information. The refuge’s Visit Us page also communicates expectations regarding accessing the shoreline as well as the fact that all islands are closed to the public.