McNary Wildlife Nature Area was established in 1956 along a 15,000 acre stretch of the Columbia River. With sloughs, ponds, streams and islands, it has one of the most dense concentrations of wetland bird species in the country. The land is also home to several amphibian and mammals species, making McNary a great place for wildlife spotting and photography. The area also supports fishing and hunting. Local hiking is suitable for all ages, with trails of varying difficulties winding around McNary’s waters.

Directions to the wildlife areas will lead you to the McNary Headquarters and Environmental Education Center, which is one of five headquarters on the land. Each headquarter is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The land is open for hiking from dawn to dusk. Hunting and fishing hours and subject to current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations.