Hunting for upland birds, turkeys, waterfowl and deer is popular on the McDonald Bridge Unit, and when steelhead are migrating, access to a total of two miles of river frontage provides fishing opportunities. Cottonwood, willow, alder and red-osier dogwood are the dominant woody species with reed canary grass being the primary understory species; one site is being restored to native grass cover and another is actively farmed under an agricultural lease.
The McDonald Bridge Unit is located 1 mile east of Lowden on the Walla Walla River in Walla Walla County. The unit can be accessed from McDonald Road off of Highway 12.
The McDonald Bridge Unit is located in the Walla Walla River watershed in the Columbia Plateau.
This unit is part of the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 149
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Gravel parking area
- No restroom
- Informational kiosk
Recreation and access advisories
- Day use only
- Overnight parking or camping are prohibited
Hunting
Hunting for upland birds, turkeys, waterfowl, and deer, is popular on this unit.
Hunting advisories
- Hunting is allowed by archery and shotgun only.
- Hunting is allowed during daylight hours only.
Fishing
There is a total of 2 miles of river frontage access providing fishing opportunities, especially when steelhead are migrating.
WDFW owns shoreline access for one-half mile upstream on both sides of the river, plus one-half mile downstream but only on the south bank.
Fishing advisories
- No maintained boating access; most of the year the river level is too low for boats.
Wildlife viewing
This unit has 2 miles of river frontage with woodlands, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including deer, upland birds, waterfowl, and wild turkey.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
The unit has diverse riparian zone and wildlife. Cottonwood, willow, alder and red-osier dogwood are the dominant woody species with reed canary grass being the primary understory species.
Conservation goals
- Develop plan to survey entire wildlife area for rare plants by 2024
Land stewardship
The McDonald Bridge Unit was acquired as mitigation for habitat losses from dam construction along the Snake River.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1993 and 1994.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Army Corps of Engineers | Snake River Mitigation Account |
Management planning
2019 Blue Mountains Wildlife Areas Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.
Planning Advisory Committee
W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area Advisory Committee