North of Ellensburg is the Colockum Wildlife Area. This area invites visitors interested in wildlife and ecology to visit its expanse of territory from sub-alpine and mixed forest at higher elevations to pine foothills, shrub-steppe ridge country, and prairie bunch grass closer to the Columbia River shore.

With a crisscross of primitive roads, it is suggested guests either take a four-wheel drive vehicle or visit the Colockum with mountain bikes, horses, or by foot travel. While in the area visitors, are likely to see the local elk herd, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and even coyotes. Birders will delight in the opportunity to interact with quail, chukar, grouse, partridge, hawks, and eagles.

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