Winter paddleboarding in the Tri-Cities, WA, offers a front-row seat to the quiet beauty of nature. With fewer people on the waterways, wildlife becomes more visible, making every paddle a rewarding experience. From abundant waterfowl to elusive mammals, winter paddling is an adventure in discovery.
Wildlife You Might Encounter
The winter landscape is alive with activity, and the Columbia River and surrounding waterways host a variety of species. Recent waterfowl surveys from the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge highlight a mix of common and rarer sightings, making each outing a chance to observe something special.
Mammals Along the Shore
- Mink – More commonly spotted than river otters, mink are agile hunters along the shoreline, darting in and out of the brush.
- Beavers – These industrious creatures remain active in winter, tending to their lodges and foraging for food. Freshly gnawed logs and small dams are signs of their presence.
- River Otters – Playful and energetic, river otters can sometimes be spotted navigating the waterways or sliding along snowy banks.
- Deer – Mule deer and white-tailed deer can often be seen along the riverbanks, emerging for a drink or browsing in the underbrush.
- Coyotes – These adaptable predators roam the river’s edge, especially at dawn and dusk, searching for food.
- Foxes – Less common but still seen on occasion, foxes add a flash of color to the winter landscape.
Birds of the Season
Waterfowl & Wading Birds:
- Mallards & Northern Pintails – These ducks dominate the winter waters, with thousands counted.
- Canada Geese & Snow Geese – Large flocks of these geese are a common sight, often seen roosting in sloughs or flying in formation.
- American Wigeon & Gadwall – These dabbling ducks add variety to calmer waters.
- Buffleheads & Ruddy Ducks – Small diving ducks that bring energy to the open water.
- Tundra Swans & Canvasbacks – These striking waterfowl are often seen in winter, with notable counts observed.
- Ring-necked Ducks, Common & Hooded Mergansers – Diving ducks and mergansers add variety to the waterways.
- Common Goldeneye & Other Seasonal Ducks – Less numerous but still present, these diving ducks are an exciting winter sighting.
- American Coot – Frequently seen in groups, these dark waterbirds stand out with their white beaks and distinctive swimming style.
- Double-crested Cormorants – Sleek, black waterbirds often spotted perched with their wings outstretched to dry after diving for fish.
- Great Blue Herons – Their statuesque forms are a familiar sight along the shallows.
Birds of Prey & Other Notable Sightings:
- Bald Eagles – Often perched in tall trees or soaring overhead, these raptors are a winter highlight.
- American White Pelicans – Though more common in warmer months, some remain during winter, gliding over open water.
- Northern Harriers & Red-tailed Hawks – These raptors are commonly seen hunting along the shorelines.
- Pied-billed Grebes & Ring-billed Gulls – While fewer in number, these species are notable winter visitors.
Want to learn more about the birds you encounter? Apps like Merlin Bird ID by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology or websites like eBird.org can help you identify and track species in real time.
A Winter Wonderland
The Tri-Cities’ waterways are teeming with life even in winter. While we’ve highlighted some of the more commonly spotted wildlife, there’s always more to discover. Nature has a way of surprising us, and each paddle brings the potential for new encounters. Keep your eyes open—you never know what incredible creatures might be sharing the water with you! As you explore, remember to be respectful of the wildlife and environment—keep a safe distance, avoid disturbing animals, and don’t forget to leave no trace.
So bundle up, grab your paddleboard, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the season. The waterways are full of life for those who take the time to observe.
Let us know what you’ve spotted on your winter paddles. We’d love to hear about your encounters with the incredible creatures that call our waterways home!