Rhinehart Canyon Bridge
Seasons
Checklists
Location
From La Grande, travel northeast on Hwy 82 to Imbler. Go through Imbler and continue for 3.7 miles. Look for Philberg Rd. on the right (east). Turn onto Philberg Rd., cross the river and turn right. From that corner go south for approximately 0.25 to 0.5 mile to Rhinehart Bridge or “Rheinhard Bridge” as it is sometimes known. The dry slope is uphill on the east side of that road. The willow streamside thicket and the Grande Ronde river are on the west side of that road. Bird along Philberg road from that intersection up to the first dwelling. You can drive past the dwellings and park at the old rock quarry. Walk along the river on the old road bed which is maintained by local birders. From the edge of the rock pit to the bridge is state land owned by ODOT.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
Riparian area. Rhinehart Canyon is one of the birding gems of Union county. Gray Catbirds and Veery are abundant here. In spring, the site is often good for migrant and vagrant warbler species. Birds you might find here include Wood Duck, Northern Harrier, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Black-capped Chickadee, Bushtit, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, House Wren, Townsend’s Solitaire, Veery, Swainson’s Thrush, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting.