McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience

Information

Visitors are welcomed form sunrise to sunset. Hunting and fishing hours are subject to regulation. Headquarters are open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours for the Environmental Education Center are the same if staff and volunteers are available. Please phone 509-546-8300 ahead to confirm.

(509) 546-8300

lat: 46.2010171 long: -118.9933605

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.

Watch migrating snow geese at the McNary Wildlife Nature Area.

Watch migrating snow geese at the McNary Wildlife Nature Area.

Nearby Attractions

The Beautiful Downtown Burbank Tavern

The Beautiful Downtown Burbank Tavern

The Beautiful Downtown Burbank Tavern, South 2nd Street, Burbank, WA, USA
Distance: 1.22 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks

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Hood Park

Hood Park

Hood Park, Grain Terminal Road, Burbank, WA, USA
Distance: 1.33 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences RV and Camping

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Snake River Confluence

Snake River Confluence

5XX8+3R Pasco, WA, USA
Distance: 1.91 mi (straight line)

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Confluence Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park

Confluence Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park

2503 Sacajawea Park Rd, Pasco, WA 99301, USA
Distance: 2.25 mi (straight line)

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Sacajawea Historical State Park and Interpretive Center

Sacajawea Historical State Park and Interpretive Center

Sacajawea Historical State Park, Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco, WA, USA
Distance: 2.26 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences LC Features

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Walla Walla River Confluence

Walla Walla River Confluence

337P+F9 Wallula Junction, WA, USA
Distance: 10.22 mi (straight line)

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Reach Museum

Reach Museum

1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352, USA
Distance: 10.95 mi (straight line)

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The REACH Museum & Interpretive Center

The REACH Museum & Interpretive Center

1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA, USA
Distance: 10.95 mi (straight line)

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Cherry Chalet

Cherry Chalet

8101 West 10th Avenue, Kennewick, WA, USA
Distance: 11.23 mi (straight line)

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Lewis and Clark Commemorative Trail

Lewis and Clark Commemorative Trail

Lewis and Clark Commemorative Trail Trailhead, Hermiston, OR, USA
Distance: 20.72 mi (straight line)

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Hat Rock State Park

Hat Rock State Park

Hat Rock State Park, Hermiston, OR, USA
Distance: 21.71 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes LC Features

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Frichette Winery

Frichette Winery

Frichette, North Sunset Road, Benton City, WA, USA
Distance: 22.59 mi (straight line)

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McNary Beach Park

McNary Beach Park

McNary Beach Recreation Area, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 22.92 mi (straight line)

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Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center

Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center

Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center, Devore Road, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 23.68 mi (straight line)

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Umatilla Marina and RV Park

Umatilla Marina and RV Park

Umatilla Marina RV Park, Quincy Avenue, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 25.00 mi (straight line)

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Java Junkies

Java Junkies

Java Junkies, 6th Street, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 25.44 mi (straight line)

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Giant Columbia Harvest John Wayne

Giant Columbia Harvest John Wayne

Columbia Harvest Foods, 6th Street, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 25.46 mi (straight line)

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Umatilla Landing Days

Umatilla Landing Days

Umatilla Landing Park, 6th Street, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 26.10 mi (straight line)

Festivals and Events Fun and Sports

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Site of the Week: The Lewis and Clark Visitor’s

Site of the Week: The Lewis and Clark Visitor’s Center at Gavins Point Dam

By August of 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition had entered the land of the Yankton Sioux, a powerful tribe on the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark were tasked with notifying them that the United States now had a claim over their land. So, on August 29, the expedition met with the tribe at a site called Calumet Bluff where Lewis gave his routine speech and the customary gifts were handed out.

Today, the Lewis and Clark Visitor’s Center at Gavins Point Dam sits on Calumet Bluff, overlooking the nearly two-mile-long Gavins Point Dam. The dam was originally planned to be built further upstream at Gavins Point,the place from which the dam gets its name. However, even though it was constructed at a different site (which resulted in the formation of Lewis and Clark Lake), the dam maintained its original name throughout the project.

The visitor’s center, which is operated by the Army Corp of Engineers, has exhibits pertaining to the wildlife and rich history of the area. Information regarding recreation on Lewis and Clark Lake is also available, as well as a gift shop and bookstore. There is a viewing deck on the back of the visitor’s center which allows visitors to view the Gavins Point Dam.

https://www.nps.gov/places/lewis-clark-visitor-center-at-gavins-point-dam-nebraska.htm

Photos credited to Cait Clark

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #nebraska

Site of the Week: Sergeant Floyd Monument The Lew

Site of the Week: Sergeant Floyd Monument

The Lewis and Clark Expedition is known for having lost only one man, something of a miracle when it comes to such a lengthy and treacherous adventure. Sadly, the majority of people do not know the name of this man as he died rather early on in the Expedition. Fortunately, there is a monument dedicated to his burial in Sioux City, Iowa.

On July 31, 1804, Sergeant Charles Floyd, one of the original “Nine Young Men from Kentucky,” wrote in his journal that he was “verry sick and {had} ben for Sometime.” He recovered somewhat before suddenly taking a turn for the worse. Captain Lewis administered to him as he was the Expedition’s doctor, but it was no use. On August 20th, the young man passed away at the age of 22. It is widely believed that Floyd died from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. If this truly was the case, there would have been nothing that Lewis could have done to save him.

Today, the Sergeant Floyd Monument stands on a cliff overlooking I-29, a tall obelisk surrounded by iron fencing for protection. There is a parking lot and informational signs concerning the Expedition and the last days of Floyd’s life. When standing at the base of the monument, one can look out over the mighty Missouri River. Despite the rumbling of the cars racing by below, the site possesses a solemn tranquility, especially when visited in the evening as the sun is fading in the west. A sun that young Charles Floyd was unable to pursue with his fellow explorers.

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #Iowa #siouxcityiowa

Lewis and Clark spent the winter close to the Clat

Lewis and Clark spent the winter close to the Clatsop Village that was located on the site of Fort Stevens State Park - located at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon on Point Adams.

When Europeans first arrived in the area, it was the site of a large Clatsop settlement, and William Clark noted eight large houses on the site when they sailed past in 1805. The name of the landmark itself was coined on May 18, 1792, when Captain Robert Gray, a merchant mariner, sailed into the mouth of the Columbia River. He chose the name in honor of the then president of the United States, John Adams.

Point Adams later became part of Fort Stevens, a Civil War-era military fort established in 1863. The original earthen fort was built to keep British and Confederate gunboats from entering the mouth of the Columbia River. It was named after Union Army General Isaac I. Stevens, who also served as the first territorial governor of Washington state.

After World War II, Fort Stevens was considered obsolete, and it was turned over to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for use as a headquarters in 1947. Then, in 1975, the site was officially designed as a state park after being leased to Oregon State Parks.

Today, visitors can visit the historic Fort Stevens and Point Adams visitor center and museum, take tours through the old earthen fort and artillery gun batteries, or take advantage of all the wildlife opportunities like fishing.

There are several camping options available as well. All campsites are ADA accessible and come equipped with a picnic table and grill. Yurts and cabins are also available for rent. Restrooms, showers, a playground, and a dump station are on site.

https://www.lewisandclark.travel/listing/fort-stevens-state-park/

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #Oregon #fortstevensstatepark

Happy New Year, Everyone! January 1, 1806 “A n

Happy New Year, Everyone!

January 1, 1806

“A new year at Fort Clatsop

To bring in the new year at Fort Clatsop, the enlisted men fire a volley to awaken the captains. Lewis resumes writing his journal and imagines New Year’s Day in 1807 when everyone will be home. Clark inventories ship captains that visit the area, and Sgt. Gass is surprised by the number of active insects this time of year.

‘…our repast of this day tho’ better than that of Christmass, consisted principally in the anticipation of the 1st day of January 1807, when in the bosom of our friends we hope to participate in the mirth and hilarity of the day, and when the zest given by the recollection of the present, we shall completely, both mentally and corporally, enjoy the repast which the hand of civilization has prepared for us.’
—Meriwether Lewis”

https://lewis-clark.org/day-by-day/1-jan-1806/

Photo Credit: "Snow on Fort Clatsop by Robert Potts"

Our new APP is now available! Check it out if you

Our new APP is now available! Check it out if you haven’t yet to bring the adventure and magic of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail on your mobile device. Scan the QR code here or find it on your app store.