Lower Wallowa River Canyon
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Location
From the town of Wallowa drive five miles NE on Hwy 82 to the point where the highway and the river leave farm fields and enter the canyon. For the next 8 miles the highway follows the river through this deep canyon. At 1.2 miles a weigh station may provide an opportunity to pull off and view the river if the station is not active. At 2.3 miles a rest area offers a toilet, a short hike up a side canyon, and a view of the delta of the incoming creek. At 5.3 miles Minam Rest Area offers picnic tables, a toilet, and a strip of riparian willows.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
Through this canyon look for Common Mergansers and other ducks on the river. Dippers may be spotted on the rocks. They are easier to see in winter when the rocks and shore are covered in snow. Look for them at the delta of the creek at the first rest area. At both rest areas look and listen for Veery in the summer. The Minam wayside also is good for Catbirds and other riparian species. Watch for Bald Eagles and Pygmy Owls on treetops above the stream, and watch the ridges and skies for Golden Eagles and elk. Green-tailed Towhee has been found up-slope from the weigh station. At the Minam bridge the Minam River collides with the Wallowa River. Look downstream to see the clear water from the wilderness flowing beside the brown water from the agricultural valley upstream.
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