Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing Basics

Equipment:

• Binoculars

• Camera

• Snowshoes

• Automobile

Licenses & Permits:

None needed some areas you may wish to access may require Discover Pass or Snow Park Parking permit. 

When & Where to Go:

Winter with snow on the ground and no leaves on trees makes it easier to see animals.  Observing animal tracks in the snow lets you know you are in the right area. Animal feeding stations west of Yakima during winter is prime up-close viewing for elk and big horn sheep. Right after a fresh snowfall is when you know tracks are fresh and animals close by. I-90 just west of Vantage is a good place to observe elk during winter as herds move downhill from sagebrush in search of better grazing. Driving through known game areas just before a late fall or early spring snow forecast works also. 

Tips:

Animals often blend in with nearby scenery.  Look for movement or listen for sound to direct your gaze.  Migrations of waterfowl are also quite fascinating.  Look for impressive numbers of them in farm fields near Mount Vernon in late fall and early spring as they pass through to and from Canada