The Driscoll Islands unit is about 350 acres (including a 2007 acquisition on Eyhott Island to the south) of mostly riparian and wetland habitat located about one mile south of Oroville, at the confluence of the Similkameen and Okanogan rivers. During high water years, much of the island, at just 280 feet in elevation, is flooded. The primary goal for purchase in 1974 was to provide goose nesting and foraging habitat. Grazing was once used to improve forage, but has been discontinued since the goose population has returned to healthy numbers. A sharecrop agreement is used on agricultural lands for hay and grain production to enhance forage for upland game birds. River channels surrounding Driscoll Island provide migration and spawning habitat for steelhead, fall Chinook salmon and Osoyoos Sockeye salmon. The unit supports a small deer population, a variety of waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians and other wildlife. Access to Driscoll Island for fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing is by a ford across the Okanogan River during low flows in the summer and fall.
Viewing Opportunities
Birds
Birds of Prey
Eagles
Shorebirds
Songbirds
Upland Birds
Wading Birds
Waterfowl
Mammals
Bighorn sheep
Deer
Other
Butterflies
Spawning Salmon
How to Get Here
Click Here
for Printable
Map and Driving Directions
Access Site #1
Driving Directions From Oroville proceed south on SR 97. Watch for Public Access sign on right (west) side of hwy about .25 miles after crossing the Okanogan River. Turn right (west) just before sign and cross railroad tracks turning right into the parking lot.
From Ellisforde proceed north on SR 97 to about Mile Post 329. Watch for Public Access sign on left (west) side of SR 97. Turn left (west) just before sign and cross railroad tracks turning right into the parking lot.
Parking/Restroom Information Parking is available at the Driscoll Island parking lot and the SR-97 Bridge access area south of Oroville. No restrooms available.
Access to these islands is by wading during low water (July 15 to April 15) or by boat during high water (April 15 to July 15). There are no developed visitor or recreational facilities on Driscoll-Eyhott Island Wildlife Area. Sometimes bighorn sheep may be visible on the rock bluffs and cliffs across SR 97 from Driscoll and/or Eyhott Islands. Salmon can be seen in the Similkameen River channel during fall spawning season from the northwest shoreline of Driscoll Island. It is also a popular place for shore fishermen to fish for steelhead.
A Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass
is required on all WDFW lands. Learn more at DiscoverPass.wa.gov
The Driscoll Islands unit is about 350 acres (including a 2007 acquisition on Eyhott Island to the south) of mostly riparian and wetland habitat located about one mile south of Oroville, at the confluence of the Similkameen and Okanogan rivers. During high water years, much of the island, at just 280 feet in elevation, is flooded. The primary goal for purchase in 1974 was to provide goose nesting and foraging habitat. Grazing was once used to improve forage, but has been discontinued since the goose population has returned to healthy numbers. A sharecrop agreement is used on agricultural lands for hay and grain production to enhance forage for upland game birds. River channels surrounding Driscoll Island provide migration and spawning habitat for steelhead, fall Chinook salmon and Osoyoos Sockeye salmon. The unit supports a small deer population, a variety of waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians and other wildlife. Access to Driscoll Island for fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing is by a ford across the Okanogan River during low flows in the summer and fall.
OTHER INFORMATION
