Visit Us
McKay Creek NWR provides much desired water-related activities to the high desert of eastern Oregon and the community of Pendleton. There are lots of fun, interesting and educational things you can do on the refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife-related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. Please check with refuge management, or consult our publications, before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. There are plenty of other activities on McKay Creek for you to enjoy. Be safe and have fun!
McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located off of Highway 395, five miles south of Pendleton, Oregon, and 7 miles south of I-84. Refuge hours are from sunrise to sunset, except for hunting—hunting access is 1-1/2 hours before legal hunting hours to 1-1/2 hours after legal hunting hours. Access difficulty varies by area. Contact the Mid-Columbia River NWR Complex Office for suggestions using the area safely (509-546-8300).
When planning your visit, please keep in mind that the norht half of the refuge is closed to all public entry during the winter season (October 1 to the end of February). The southern half of the refuge is open during through the winter until the end of the state waterfowl season. The entire refuge is closed for all visitation from the end of waterfowl season (usually the end of January) through the last day of February. This is to ensure protection of, and minimize the disturbance to, wintering waterfowl and bald eagles.
Most areas of the refuge are semi-primitive with no restroom or drinking water facilities. Refuge visitors should plan their trips accordingly.
Rules and Policies
- Refuge hours are from sunrise to sunset, except for hunting—hunting access is 1-1/2 hours before legal hunting hours to 1-1/2 hours after legal hunting hours (see below).
- The refuge is closed to all public entry during the winter season—the end of the state waterfowl season (usually the end of January) through the last day of February.
- The use of unmanned aircraft or drones on the refuge is prohibited.
- Camping and fires are prohibited year-round.
- Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public. Please stay out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals.
- Horseback riding and bicycling are permitted on designated public access roads during the spring and summer season (March 1 through September 30).
- Fishing and boating are allowed as per state and U.S. Coast Guard regulations March 1 through September 30.
- Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with refuge hunting regulations, i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
- Other prohibitions on the refuge are dogs off-leash; off-road vehicles; and collecting of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts.
- No trapping of any kind is allowed on McKay Creek NWR.
Locations
There are lots of fun, interesting and educational things you can do on the refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife-related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. Please check with refuge management, or consult our publications, before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. There are plenty of other activities on McKay Creek for you to enjoy. Be safe and have fun!
McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located off of Highway 395, five miles south of Pendleton, Oregon, and 7 miles south of I-84. Refuge hours are from sunrise to sunset, except for hunting—hunting access is 1-1/2 hours before legal hunting hours to 1-1/2 hours after legal hunting hours. Access difficulty varies by area. Contact the Mid-Columbia River NWR Complex Office for suggestions using the area safely (509-546-8300).
When planning your visit, please keep in mind that the refuge is closed to all public entry during the winter season—the end of the state waterfowl season (usually the end of January) through the last day of February. This is to ensure protection of, and minimize the disturbance to, wintering waterfowl and bald eagles.
Most areas of the refuge are semi-primitive with no restroom or drinking water facilities. Refuge visitors should plan their trips accordingly.
From I-84 in Pendleton, OR:
- Head south on US-395 for 5.0 miles
- Turn left onto Combs Canyon Road
- Stay straight on Combs Canyon Road through the gate