Grant County

Bear Valley is a mountain valley surrounded by ponderosa pine forests. The central part of the valley is private ranches that are sagebrush range or have been converted into pastureland. Low areas or areas near the Silvies River are often flooded ...

This beautiful lake is on Yearling Springs which is part of the headwaters of Big Wall Creek which flows into the North Fork of the John Day River. This lake is surrounded by a mix of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, western larch and some willows and...

Walk through the campground, especially during the winter where some feeding happens near the wood shed. There is a nature trail along the river through riparian habitat. In addition to waterfowl, warblers, kinglets, buntings and sparrows, keep an...

Dale used to be the hummingbird capital of Grant County, but many of the residents have disappeared as have their feeders. Rufous, Black-chinned, Calliope and Broad-tailed have frequented this small community.

Take the South Fork Road to the south along the South Fork John Day River and look for warblers, Lewis’s Woodpeckers and Mountain Quail. The South Fork Road which can be driven to the Izee Country, is quite scenic. It is mostly gravel – some p...

Sandhill Cranes stage here during spring migration. There are some ponds that can abound with waterfowl. Look for rosy-finches during the winter.

Look for hawks and eagles in the air, bluebirds and sparrows on the fences and ducks and geese in the fields and river. At Goose Rock https://goo.gl/maps/UHh2BxgHP5E5GC4p6, a mile or two north of...

Average elevation is 3100’. Check both Canyon Creek and the John Day River for American Dippers, Wood Duck, Western Screech-owls, warblers and vireos. Vaux’s Swifts nest in some old downtown chimneys. There is a sports complex on NE 7th Street...

Kimberly is the lowest point in Grant County at 1845’ elevation and is located at the confluence of the North Fork and main stem John Day Rivers. This can be an interesting loop including Mt Vernon, Dayville, Kimberly, Monument, Long Creek, Fox ...

The north side of this valley near Big Creek Campground used to have an Upland Sandpiper colony (E3). The open prairie is good for curlews, cranes and bluebirds. Check out the riparian areas, especially near the campground for flycatchers and warb...

There is a seasonal rest area a couple of miles towards Long Creek from the pass that can be good for a variety of birds. The open grasslands around Long Creek can be good for hawks, sparrows and...

The lower end has parched/rocky south facing slopes and the upper end is mixed forest and lush meadows. Veery and Gray Catbird have been found along here, besides the usual warblers, wrens, American Dipper and mountain forest species.