McNary Nature Trail

The McNary Nature Trail is an easy walk throughout a park and wetlands area near the banks of the Columbia River in the town of Umatilla, Oregon.

The nature trail is a route through a network of overlapping trails and paths that weave amongst streams, wetlands, bridges, grass and dirt paths. Several ponds along the paved road into the park area are frequently popular with fishermen casting a line, however if you venture down the gravel roads toward the trailhead, you'll soon get away from most of the people and might find yourself wandering the paths with few, if any, other people around. 

The wildlife area lies just downstream from the McNary Dam, and several sizable ponds and trail networks make up the park area. It's possible to trace the paths to the more developed Spillway Park or the Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center, or head in a downstream direction where path parallel the banks of two ponds. Aside from a few small bridges, viewing platforms and picnic benches, there is not much along the McNary Nature Trail. Though is the appeal. The trail presents and easy and relatively short route for visitors to go for a peaceful walk in nature. It's also possible to amend your own route to make it longer or shorter, based on the desired hike length.

There are no amenities along the nature trail or at the trailhead, however there are vault and flush toilets located at other areas in the wildlife park a short walk or drive away.

The McNary Wildlife Refuge area is open for day use only from the hours of 7am to 5pm. There is no fee to visit the refuge.