Bear Valley
National Wildlife Refuge
Oregon

Bear Valley Refuge was established in 1978 to protect a vital night roost site for wintering bald eagles. The Refuge consists of 4,200 acres, primarily of old growth ponderosa pine, incense cedar, white and Douglas fir. These mature stands of trees have open branching patterns of large limbs which allow easy eagle access and can support many birds. Located on a northeast slope, the roost also shelters these raptors from harsh and prevailing winter winds. In recent years, as many as 300 bald eagles have used the roost in a single night. Bear Valley Refuge also serves as nesting habitat for several bald eagle pairs. Bear Valley Refuge is closed to all public entry, except for walk-in deer hunting before November 1, to reduce disturbance to the birds. From December through mid-March excellent opportunities are available from outside the Refuge to observe early morning fly-outs of large numbers of bald eagles and other raptors from their Bear Valley roost.

Refuge Objectives:

• Manage for the conservation and recovery of endangered, threatened, sensitive species and the habitats on which they depend.
  
• Protect native habitats and wildlife representative of the natural biological diversity of the Klamath Basin.
  
• Provide high quality wildlife-dependent visitor services with emphasis on the interpretation and observation of bald eagles wintering and nesting on the refuge.
  

Significant Species:

• American bald eagle
  
• Northern goshawk
  
• Mule Deer
  

Current Issues of Concern:

• Past exclusion of fire has lead to excessive fuel loadings. There is a risk of catastrophic fire to bald eagle roosting/nesting trees.
  

Ongoing Management Activities:

• Selective tree thinning followed by prescribed burning is underway to protect old growth forest/eagle roost trees. Click for more information
  

Public Use:

• Closed to public entry
  
• Bald eagle "flyout" visible during winter months
  
• Limited deer hunting