The White Pass Scenic Byway along Highway 12 is known for its wide variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles. In the Yakima River basin near Naches, you may find herds of Rocky Mountain elk feeding at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area.
The elk begin arriving mid November and stay in the area until March. During severe winters, the elk herd can reach 8,000 animals. As spring arrives, the elk head into the higher elevations, and the land is closed to public entry as the bulls lose their antlers. The road into the Oak Creek backcountry reopens in early May to allow access for gathering antlers and other wildlife watching activity.
The best time to see the elk is January and February, when a supplemental feeding program draws up to 1,200 animals, including 90 branched-antlered bulls. The winter feeding program was started at the 94,000 plus-acre Oak Creek Wildlife Area in 1945 to reduce conflict between elk and agricultural land owners in the Naches area. Today, over 100,000 visitors come to view these spectacular animals each year.
Cool video of herds of elk at the feeding station
The elk are fed daily at 1:30 pm at the Oak Creek Headquarters. A large parking and viewing area with an interpretive center lets you closely observe the elk. The visitor center is open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm during winter months and is staffed by AmeriCorps and Wildlife Education Corps volunteers. The center has a video program, exhibits, and a kids corner.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Oak Creek Feeding Station.
2016 was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and to celebrate, Visit Rainier and WSGA hosted the Visit Rainier Centennial GeoTour - 100 caches placed in and around Mount Rainier National Park. The geocaches highlighted the rich history, scenic wonders, quaint communities, and hidden gems of the Rainier region. Participants received geocoin and pathtag prizes for finding all the caches.
