1.
On the banks of the Grande Ronde
Breezy, blue-sky days, wildflowers, and green velvet hills signal when spring is in the air in Eastern Oregon. That means wildlife is on the move and easy to see as you travel the region's back roads. Plan now to start your spring wildlife watching at Bird Track Springs Nature Trail on the banks of the Grande Ronde River, along OR Hwy. 244, near La Grande (take exit 252 from I-84). Then head for the Spring Creek area to see nesting Great Grey Owls.
2.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area
Next day, take Gekeler Road, then Foothill Drive to the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area where you can Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese and a wide variety of ducks. Watch for Red-tailed hawks, American Kestrels, and Golden eagles soaring above the grassy meadows. (Bald eagles can be seen in winter and early spring.) A variety of song birds also attract avid birdwatchers. Earthbound travelers are migrating, too, from their winter feeding grounds to the high country. You'll see Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk at the wildlife refuge.
3.
Catherine Creek
Then drive east on OR Hwy 203 to Union and continue up Catherine Creek as it tumbles out of the Wallowa Mountains. Along its banks find deer, elk, coyotes, and all kinds of birds, often mingling with domestic cattle and frisky calves. Continue on Hwy 203 over the pass and into the Baker Valley, then return to La Grande via Interstate 84. Watch for Pronghorn antelope along the way.