Photo by Cheryl Landes

From January through March, as many as 5,000 Rocky Mountain elk migrate to the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, 15 miles northwest of Yakima, to feed on the hay provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. WDFW started this program in 1940 to reduce conflict between the elk and local farmers.

Volunteers feed the elk daily at 1:30 p.m. at the Oak Creek Headquarters Visitor Center. They also feed a herd of bighorn sheep daily, 10-11 a.m., at Cleman Mountain, 2.5 miles northeast of the visitor center.

Read more about this wildlife watching experience.