This is a route which was developed by the East Cascades Audubon Society to survey winter raptors. It begins on the north end of the town of Soap Lake in North Central Washington. The route travels north on SR 17, through Grand Coulee to the junction with US 2, where it turns east, going through Coulee City to Hartline. The route traces a large figure eight through the fields south of Hartline and covers 80 miles.
Access:
All segments of the survey route can be accessed from Coulee City (please see the map).
Access:
From the West: From SR 97 along the east side of the Columbia River travel to Orondo (about 17 miles north of downtown Wenatchee). In Orondo, turn east on US 2 and travel 50 miles to Coulee City.
From the East: From the intersection of I-90 and US 2 (just west of downtown Spokane), drive west on US 2 for 96 miles to Coulee City.
Logistics:
Since this is a winter driving route, it was developed with information from the Grant County snow plow map. While these roads are usually open in the winter, if there is a very heavy snowfall, they might not be plowed or drivable. Please use caution.
SR 17, traveling up the Grand Coulee, is a heavily traveled road, but there are several pull outs where a car can stop to observe.
In the winter, restroom facilities are available at the Dry Falls Visitor Center, if it is open, and at Coulee City Park, which is open all year.
Major habitats:
- Agricultural fields – mainly dryland wheat
- Shrub-steppe – dominated by sagebrush and/or bitterbrush and grasses and forbs
- Lower Grand Coulee
- Bordered by Dry Falls Dam on the north
- Open water lakes and wetlands
Species observed:
Rough-legged hawk, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, American kestrel, bald Eagle, golden eagle, prairie falcon can be seen anywhere along the route.
Area of note:
Lower Grand Coulee is bordered by basalt cliffs and contains several lakes. Watch for bald eagle, golden eagle, and perhaps a Gyrfalcon hunting waterfowl.