White Salmon Oak NRCA WA

White Salmon Oak Natural Resources Conservation Area

White Salmon Oak Natural Resources Conservation Area NRCA was established to protect stands of Oregon White Oak (Quercus garyana), which dominate much of this site.

Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCAs) protect outstanding examples of native ecosystems, habitat for endangered, threatened and sensitive plants and animals, and scenic landscapes. More than 118,700 acres are conserved in 36 Washington state NRCAs.

This 551-acre natural resource conservation area (NRCA) contains representatives of all the Oregon white oak plant communities found in the White Salmon River drainage. These oak-dominant plant associations, which are quickly disappearing from Washington, provide a glimpse of the region's pre-settlement landscape and serve as important wildlife habitat for small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

White Salmon Oak NRCA also supports large areas of mixed Douglas-fir – Oregon white oak forest and open expanses of grassland balds.  Much of this landscape can be seen from the historic Weldon Wagon Trail which traverses the NRCA, providing exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and hiking. 

How to Reach : Weldon Wagon Trail-head: from Portland, take I-84 east to Exit 64/Hood River Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left/west onto WA SR-14. Drive 1.6 miles and turn right onto Highway 141 ALT. Continue 2.2 miles and turn left onto Highway 141. Go 4 miles to Husum, turn right before crossing over Rattlesnake Creek/bridge onto gravel road named Indian Creek Rd, and drive 0.6 mile. Bear left onto Indian Cemetery Rd., then continue on 0.3 mile to 4x4 road and sign marking the Weldon Wagon Trail.