McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge in Umatilla County, Oregon.

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in eastern Oregon that encompasses a reservoir and upland grasslands with diverse habitats for wildlife. The property extends between the Blue Mountains and open plains, supporting waterfowl, raptors, and other species throughout the year.

The refuge, dam and reservoir take their name from Dr. William C. McKay, a pioneer who settled near the mouth of McKay Creek around 1851; the spot was known to Native people as Houtama. McKay died in 1893. The sources do not record a founding date for the refuge.

The refuge and its reservoir take their name from Dr. William C. McKay, a Pendleton-area pioneer who settled near the mouth of McKay Creek around 1851; the spot was known to Native people as Houtama. Upland bird hunting remains popular, with as many as 500 hunters a year pursuing pheasant and quail. Other visitors drive, walk, picnic or watch wildlife.

The refuge features trails and open areas that can be explored on foot or by vehicle, with accessibility varying by season. Visitors should be prepared for changing water levels and weather conditions that affect the best times for observation and outdoor activity.

The location was known to Native Americans as Houtama before Dr. William C. McKay settled near the mouth of McKay Creek around 1851; the dam, reservoir and refuge all carry his name. McKay died in 1893.