Birding at Beebe Springs

The Beebe Springs Natural Area started as a family apple orchard in the 1870’s, and it eventually covered over 200 acres along the Columbia River.  The original Beebe Bridge, just to the south, was the first suspension bridge in Washington State, and at that time was the largest privately built and owned bridge in the world. The bridge’s original purpose was to move harvested fruit and irrigation water across the Columbia, and in an effort to cover the cost that was the equivalent of 2.5 million today! The Beebe family charged a toll for others to use it. You can still see the concrete towers which were left in place just downstream (south) of the new span.

By 1947 the Beebe Orchard Company was the state’s largest apple growing enterprise operated by a single family. You can find old Apple Box Labels from the Beebe Orchard in the collection of the Wenatchee Valley museum.

About 20 years ago this unique orchard land was returned to its natural riparian habitat, with fish spawning channels, and native shrub-steppe that has become a favorite location for enjoying wildlife and birds who call this space home.

There are two trailhead parking areas, one at the top of the ridge on Highway 150 as you head east from Chelan, and one along US 97, along the Columbia River – this area has flat, easy trails with great open space. As you pull into the parking area you can’t miss the metal sculpture overlooking the natural area. Installed in 2011, the piece by Colville Tribe artist, Virgil “Smoker” Marchand is an homage to Chief John Wapato.

The most popular trail system is along the Columbia River along US 97. The gravel trails are wide and flat, with several loops and interpretive areas that wind through the wetland and meadow, and along the Columbia River. Beebe Springs Creek, south of the parking area, winds through the meadow tends to overflow in the spring, causing wet sections of trail, which may be difficult for wheelchair users. Regardless, there are several trail loops so most of the 2.6 miles are accessible all year. A designated Youth Fishing Pond, (Frank’s Pond) open only to anglers under the age of 12, can be a great location for sighting Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher and duck species. The wooded area between the pond and the Beebe Bridge is a great place to find hairy and downy woodpeckers, northern flickers, and red-naped sapsuckers.

From the parking area, the trail also loops to the North, with open views of the Columbia River and abundant waterfowl species, with less worry about wet trails.

Two other trailheads are on the opposite side of US 97 – one at the top of the ridge along SR 150 near Chelan. It offers expansive views over the area, and the rugged cliff face invites raptors and canyon and rock wren.  The steep Chelan Bob Trail climbs down the ridge and connects with the Toad Creek Trail at the Chelan Fish Hatchery. Big horn sheep are often spotted in this area, especially in the spring and fall.

Many of the usual Pacific Northwest species are seen here throughout the year, such as mallards, Canada Goose, tailed Hawk, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Flicker, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Bald Eagle, American Kestrel a variety of sparrows, swallows and wrens, American Goldfinch, Magpies, Eurasian Collared-Dove and Mourning Dove, as well as Black-capped Chickadees — depending on the season you may also see a few lesser-seen varieties. At some point in the Spring, Osprey will be seen in the area, with several nesting posts provided for their use, including one just across the highway from the lower parking lot entrance.

Spring:

All five of north-central Washington swallow species; eastern and western kingbirds; yellow-rumped, MacGillivrays, and yellow warblers; Cassin’s and warbling vireos, yellow-breasted chat, Bullock’s orioles; Cinnamon, Blue-winged, and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Common Loon, and Osprey.

Summer/Fall

Wood Duck, Western Wood-Pewee, Say’s Phoebe, Cedar Waxwing, and Lazuli Bunting.

Winter:

Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded and Common Merganser, Chukar, Virginia Rail, American Coot, Northern Shrike, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Townsend’s Solitaire.

From Chelan: Follow Woodin Avenue east from the downtown core. Stay in the right-hand lane, and just past Les Schwab the road will veer right and become Highway 150. The upper trailhead is on the left, just before the highway turns to the right and begins its steep descent to the Columbia River: 47.826, -119.978. There is also trailhead parking at the Chelan Fish Hatchery (accessed at the bottom of SR150. Turn left before the railroad tracks: 47.8215, -119.976.) Or you can continue to the lower trail head (the most popular) by following the highway to the bottom of the hill where it ends at the junction with US 97. Turn left and in less than a half mile you will see the sign for the Beebe Springs Natural Area parking lot/trailhead on the right: 47.822, -119.973.

Trailhead Parking Areas are open all year and require a Discover Pass. Heavy winter snowfall may cause temporary parking lot closures.

All photos by Pete Freund Photography