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Umatilla
National Wildlife Refuge
64 Maple Street
Burbank, WA   99323
E-mail: mcriver@fws.gov
Phone Number: (509) 546-8300
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://www.fws.gov/umatilla/
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  Overview
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1969 as mitigation for habitat lost through flooding caused by the construction of the John Day Dam on the Columbia River, Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge is a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The refuge is a varied mix of open water, sloughs, shallow marsh, seasonal wetlands, cropland, islands, and shrub-steppe upland habitats. It is divided into six units—two in Oregon, three in Washington, and one in the middle of the Columbia River. The scarcity of wetlands and other natural habitats in this area make Umatilla Refuge vital to migrating waterfowl, bald eagles, colonial nesting birds, and other migratory and resident wildlife. It is strategically located within the Pacific Flyway to provide Arctic nesting geese and ducks a wintering site and a resting stopover.


Getting There . . .
To reach the Boardman Unit, take the Tower Road exit off Interstate 84 about 3 miles west of Boardman, Oregon.

The McCormack Unit is 3 miles south of Highway 730, off Patterson Ferry Road, near Irrigon, Oregon. The Patterson, Ridge, and Whitcomb Island units are off Highway 14 in Washington.

The Columbia River portion of the refuge is accessible by boat. Boat ramps are located in Irrigon and Umatilla, Oregon; in Plymouth, Washington; and on the Patterson Unit in Washington.

Most areas of the refuge are very remote with no restroom or drinking water facilities. There is no public drinking water available. Refuge visitors should plan their trips accordingly.

Get Google map and directions to this refuge/WMD from a specified address:

Your full starting address AND town and state OR zip code


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NOTE: When using this feature, you will be leaving the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service domain. We do not control the content or policies of the site you are about to visit. You should always check site policies before providing personal information or reusing content.

These driving directions are provided as a general guide only. No representation is made or warranty given as to their content, road conditions or route usability or expeditiousness. User assumes all risk of use.

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