Getaway: Birdwatching at Sandhill Crane Festival in Othello WA (178 mi SE)

The largest concentration of sandhill cranes migrating in the Pacific Flyway are attracted to Othello’s rich croplands and wetlands. For nearly two decades the community in southeast Washington State has celebrated the annual return of nearly 35,000 sand hill cranes to as they migrate north to their breeding grounds in Alaska.  The Festival offers an incredible opportunity to view the cranes up-close, with tours led by local experts. All three subspecies of sandhill cranes in Washington—greater, lesser and Canadian—are listed as endangered at the state level by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The Festival also boasts other specialty tours of the flora, fauna and geology of the area, and many lectures, as well as children’s activities. Free and paid activities. More info: https://www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org/