Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Description:

Located in the spectacular Columbia Basin in eastern Washington, Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic mixture of rugged cliffs, canyons, lakes, and arid sagebrush grasslands that attract migrating and wintering waterfowl, sandhill crane, neotropical migrants, and nesting birds. The refuge's setting is the geological area known as the Channeled Scablands' an area formed when great glacial floods gouged through basalt layers, leaving distinctive canyons or "channels", rocky buttes, and cliffs. This area, known as the Drumheller Channels, was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1986.

Directions:

From Othello, Washington, drive 5 miles northwest on McManamon Road, then turn north on Morgan Lake Road. This is the major north/south public road through the heart of the refuge. It starts paved and turns to gravel in approximately 1.5 miles. This road will take you past McManamon Lake, Crab Creek, Frog Lake, and Upper Crab Creek trailheads and parking areas. Continuing north take the right spur road to Soda Lake Dam boat launch and the Pillar/Widgeon trailhead and parking area. Leaving the spur road and continuing north to Soda Lake Campground entrance and finally out to O'Sullivan Dam Road. A map of the refuge is available at just about every parking area for further refuge exploration.