Snake River (Near Farewell Bend)
Seasons
Checklists
Location
Though Farewell Bend State Recreational Area is technically in Baker County, the county line is on the south end of the park and a short drive from Farewell Bend will bring you to northern Malheur County. From I84 (this is about 24 miles north of Ontario and about 49 miles south of Baker City), take exit 353 and travel north on Hwy 30. You will be in Malheur County until you reach the park. You can go back to I-84 and take it three miles south to exit 356 and take Hwy 201 south and east along the river. There are periodic pull-offs here that will give you good looks at the river.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
Make stops along the river and survey for gulls, waterfowl, migrants, waders, and a whole host of other species. This is the most consistent place to find American White Pelican in the county. Scan the gull flocks for unusual gulls. You might be able to find something very rare like Glaucous-winged Gull or Short-billed Gull. Other rarities can show up here. Four Ancient Murrelets were spotted at this location on one occasion. (Contreras and Kindschy, OFO Publication #8)
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