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Planning a
Visit
Klamath Basin Refuges
When to Visit
For the wildlife enthusiast, a
visit to the Klamath Basin Refuges at any season is a voyage of never-ending discovery.
Year to year and season to season the dynamic ebb and flow of wildlife is a process of
constant change. When you visit
greatly determines what you will see. Click
here for information on seasonal viewing opportunities. View or print a Refuge Wildlife Checklist of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish that you might see while at our refuges.
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You are encouraged to stop by the
Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center when you first arrive. Refuge wildlife is
colorfully described by exhibits and information regarding viewing opportunities, recent sightings, road conditions, and regulations is available. A
non-profit bookstore offers wildlife-oriented books and other
items. The visitor center is located on Hill Road, 5 miles west of Tulelake, California
and 4 miles south of the California/Oregon line.  The center is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm;
weekends 9am-4pm. Except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. (530)
667-2231
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How
to Get Here
From California: Head north on
Interstate 5 to Weed, CA, then northeast 45 miles on Highway 97 to the Oregon Border. Take
Stateline Road (Hwy. 161) east towards Tulelake, CA to Hill Road. Turn south on Hill Road
4 miles.
From Oregon:
Headquarters is located 20 miles south of Klamath Falls, Oregon via Hwy. 97 or Hwy. 39.
See
the Refuge Complex Area Map
See
current road conditions in the Klamath Area
includes highway cams |
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Weather
The Klamath Basin is at an
elevation of 4000 feet and is bounded by higher mountains. Weather here is particularly
unpredictable and visitors should be ready for all conditions throughout the year.
Generally, however, summers are sunny and warm with highs 75-85° and lows in the 40's,
while winters are cold with freezing nights and occasional snow. Average winter highs are
in the 40's. Due to the mountains which ring the basin, getting here in winter may be
difficult. Watch for icy roads, especially at night. Visit weather.com to determine current weather conditions at any of our refuges. |
Current
Conditions:
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Where To Stay
The Klamath Basin is a large area
and accommodations are abundant. Klamath Falls is a good central location and allows you
easy access to all parts of the Basin. Many visitors camp in the many surrounding National
Forests or nearby Lava Beds National Monument. There are also a number of small motels and
RV parks in the communities of Tulelake and Merrill.Click Here for Local Accommodations
Click
here for Basin Links
(US Forest Service, Park Service,
etc) |
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Photos: Dave Menke
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What
to Do?
Visitors to the Klamath Basin
Refuges enjoy many things!at Tule Lake Refuge:
- Drive the self-guided wildlife auto-tour
route.
- Enjoy the visitor center
- Stroll through "Discovery Marsh" and learn
about wetlands/wildlife
- Hike up to the CCC-era overlook for a bird's
eye view of the refuge.
- Paddle the canoe trail
(July-Sept)
- Use a photo-blind for
early morning photography
- Waterfowl & pheasant hunting (during state season, special regulations in effect)
at Lower Klamath Refuge:
at Bear Valley Refuge:
at Upper Klamath Refuge:
at Klamath Marsh Refuge:
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Return to Refuge Home Page
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