Chief Joseph Wildlife Area

The Nez Perce tribe once wintered in this deep, intricate chasm along Joseph Creek and the Grande Ronde River to take advantage of the warmer micro-climate on the canyon floor. Today, the towering rock formations, steep grassy slopes, and riparian habitat support an incredible diversity of wildlife. Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk browse here. Golden eagles soar over the streams and prairie falcons perch on the rims. Upland birds include mountain quail and chukar partridge; also watch for mountain and western bluebirds.

Watchable Wildlife:
From Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk to over 100 species of bird, the wildlife-viewing enthusiast could spend days here.

Species to look for:
Wildflowers
Butterflies
Rattlesnakes
Bighorn sheep
Rocky Mountain Elk
Mule deer
Partridge
Bluebirds
Quail
Great Blue Heron
Ruffed Forest Grouse
Blue Forest Grouse
Golden Eagles
Bald Eagles
Geese
Ducks
Woodpeckers