2026 “Hells Gate” WOS Annual Conference-Lewiston, ID
37 Years of Birds and the Birding Community of Washington
The Washington Ornithological Society Annual Conference (2026) highlights 37 years of fulfilling its original mission. That mission, in the words of the first WOS newsletter in November of 1988, is ”…to increase our knowledge of birds of Washington and to enhance communication among all persons interested in those birds.” We are truly grateful for the vision of the founding members of WOS to bring all of us together. Please join us in Lewiston, Idaho this spring and enjoy the company of fellow birders. Some you have known for years and some you hope to know for years to come. It will be great fun!
The conference will be held May 14-17, 2026, in Lewiston Idaho, where the Clearwater River joins the Snake River as the Snake turns west and heads for the Columbia. This is WOS’s first conference in the far southeast corner of Washington. Field trips will be available in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The Planning Team (Kim Thorburn, Jon Isacoff, Dick Holcomb, Elaine Chuang, and Dave Kreft) have put together a slate of field trips on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as evening events on Friday and Saturday.
Friday evening, we will enjoy heavy appetizers (meat, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free), a no host bar, and a round of the “Stump the Experts” bird quiz featuring Dennis Paulson and Shep Thorp.
Saturday evening will feature a dinner and the no host bar, with our keynote speaker, Mike Schroeder of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will speak on the White-tailed Ptarmigan. This unique bird is found on high mountains in our state and faces serious conservation challenges.
The Hells Canyon Grand Hotel in Lewiston, Idaho, will be the central hub of the conference. Conference registration, events, and field trip departures will be based out of the hotel. We encourage you to also explore the surrounding area. We hope you take full advantage of your stay at the conference to explore this unique corner of the world.
Again, welcome to Southeast Washington, Northeast Oregon, and Idaho. The WOS Board and I hope you have a wonderful time!
Good Birding, Everyone!
Thomas Bancroft, WOS President