Wildlife Viewing in Eastern Washington

Early spring (March, April, May and early June) is the best time to get a chance at seeing these beautiful goats. During this time, the goats feed and rest on the cliffs and ledges high above Flume Creek, where vegetation greens up earliest. Of course, there are no guarantees of seeing goats at any time because they are free roaming. But if you are patient and use a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope, you can see them almost any day during these spring months. Mornings, evenings and overcast days are usually the best times to see goats. See map below.

Despite their name, mountain goats aren't true goats. They are closely related to Old World antelopes such as the chamois. Their ancestors are believed to have migrated to North America over the Bering Sea Land Bridge about 500,000 years ago. It's the only animal of its kind on the continent today.

Male mountain goats are known as billies, females are called nannies, and young are called kids. Both sexes have sharp black horns, muscular shoulders and a white shaggy coat and beard. Goats do not shed their horns each year, but keep them for their entire lifetime.

Mountain goats reach full adult size at four years of age. Adult billies can weigh up to 300 pounds and may stand up to 3-1/2 feet tall. For most of  the year, mountain goats usually separate into two groups - adult males and females with their young.

The most serious predator of mountain goats is the cougar. Some die from avalanches, rock slides or other natural hazards. The average life span of a mountain goat is 10 years.

Directions The Flume Creek Mountain Goat Viewing Area is located about 90 miles north of Spokane, just south of the U.S.-Canada border in the northwest corner of Pend Oreille county. From Highway 31, just north of the town of Metaline and south of the town of Metaline Falls, turn west on the road to Crawford State Park and Gardner Cave. Follow the road for about two miles until you reach the marked turn-off for the viewing site.

Links

• National Watchable Wildlife Program