SNOFLO

Mckay Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located in eastern Oregon and covers 1,532 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and shrublands.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and mammals such as mule deer and coyotes.

One of the best reasons to visit McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is for birdwatching. The refuge is an important stopover site for migratory birds and is home to several species of waterfowl, including mallards, pintails, and Canada geese. Visitors can also see birds of prey such as eagles and hawks.

Another point of interest at McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is the historic McNary Dam, which is adjacent to the refuge. The dam was built in the 1940s and provides hydroelectric power, irrigation water, and flood control to the region. Visitors can take a tour of the dam and learn about its history and operations.

Interesting facts about the refuge include the fact that it was established in 1965 as mitigation for the loss of wildlife habitat due to the construction of the McNary Dam. The refuge is also home to several rare and endangered plant species, including the Basalt Milkvetch and the White Blazing Star.

The best time of year to visit McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall, when migratory birds are passing through the area. Summer can be hot and dry, while winter can be cold and snowy.

Overall, McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful and unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and history buffs alike.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Area Campgrounds

Location Reservations Toilets
McKay Creek National Wildlife RefugeHigh Divide Camp Preview High Divide Camp
McKay Creek National Wildlife RefugeMarshall Camp Preview Marshall Camp
McKay Creek National Wildlife RefugeConfluence Camp Preview Confluence Camp
McKay Creek National Wildlife RefugeElk Camp Preview Elk Camp
McKay Creek National Wildlife RefugeRendevous Camp 1 Preview Rendevous Camp 1
McKay Creek National Wildlife RefugeDouglas Camp Preview Douglas Camp