Juniper Dunes Wilderness

Juniper Dunes Wilderness is a 7,140-acre protected area in Washington, established in 1984 and notable for its expansive sand dunes and the northernmost stand of western juniper trees. Its terrain is largely open dune country with few trees beyond scattered junipers, supporting dry-land plants such as rabbitbrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, prickly pear cactus, and sand-adapted wildflowers. The area also provides habitat for mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, badgers, hawks, owls, rattlesnakes, and many smaller animals. Near Pasco but long constrained by surrounding private land, it remains an unusual and important example of Washington desert habitat.

Mesa, Washington · United States