Laws and Regulations
To protect wildlife and their habitat ALL AREAS ARE CLOSED on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge unless posted open at designated trails, sites, or facilities as determined by the Refuge.
Day Use Only
The Refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There is no charge to visit Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
Refuge Roads
Motorized vehicles and horseback riding are permitted on designated roads shown on the Refuge Map. Horseback riding is not permitted on East Canal Road. All other areas (dike tops, fields) not shown on the Refuge map are closed to the public.
Trails
Hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing are permitted on designated roads and trails shown on the Trails Brochure. Use caution on the East Canal Road, it is shared with vehicular traffic. All other areas such as dike tops and fields not shown on the map are closed to the public. Yield to pedestrians; many Refuge routes are multi-use trails.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing and Hunting are permitted on Refuge at certain times of the year. For more information about fishing and hunting, visit Visit Us / Activities.
Boating
Non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted on Krumbo Reservoir for recreational boating and Fishing year-round, and in designated hunt areas during the Malheur Lake hunt seasons. All other Refuge waters are closed to boating.
Pets
Pets must be kept on a leash while on the Refuge. Please pick up after your pets.
Drones
The use of drones is illegal on the Refuge and illegal to operate unmanned aircraft on Refuge lands. In addition, if a drone operator stands beyond Refuge boundaries and flies the vehicle over the Refuge, fines can be levied if the drone is observed disturbing wildlife.
Audio Playback
The use of audio devices to lure birds violates Refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.51 and 50 CFR 27.72) and is not permitted on the Refuge.
Birding Ethics
Your car is an excellent observation and photographic blind. Please be considerate and bird from the curb.
Weapons
Possession of weapons on the Refuge must abide by all Oregon State laws and regulations. Discharge of weapons outside of the hunting season is prohibited.
Prohibited Activities
ATVs/UTVs, audio playback, camping or overnight parking, campfires, drones, ice fishing, target shooting, off-leash pets, swimming, and collecting natural objects such as plants, animals, minerals, antlers, objects of antiquity (including Indian artifacts) are prohibited.
Contact Us
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
36391 Sodhouse Lane
Princeton, OR 97721
(541) 493-2612
malheur@fws.gov