Description: The Nez Perce tribe once wintered in this deep, intricate chasm along Joseph Creek and 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.

Wildlife to Watch: Wildlife viewing is best in spring. High probability of seeing mule deer along Joseph Creek and in irrigated farmlands. Look for elk in winter, when they migrate down from the Blue Mountains. Raptors are seen in spring and summer. Quail can be seen along Joseph Creek; Chukar partridge are ubiquitous. Bluebirds migrate here in spring. Parking and other facilities are limited. Roads and jeep trails are open for foot or horse travel. Primitive camping.

Driving Directions: From Asotin, drive up Snake River Road along the Snake River to Heller Bar, which is located at the mouth of the Grande Ronde River. Continue along the county road, which now follows the Grande Ronde. The entrance to the wildlife area is approximately 2 miles past Heller Bar. Continue past the boundary sign on the county road. The road will eventually leave the Grande Ronde and follow Joseph Creek. Continue up Joseph Creek to marked WDFW property along both sides of the road. There is private property in blocks along the road, which are clearly identified.

Ownership: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Size: 9000 acres
Closest Town: Asotin, WA

Facilities:

Best Seasons for Wildlife Viewing:

Main Photo Credit: Chukar Partridge By Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from Wikimedia Commons

Wildlife Viewing Areas

A Guide to North American Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Chief Joseph Wildlife Area

Verified Listing

Chief Joseph Wildlife Area

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