Rules and Policies

To protect wildlife and their habitat, all areas of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge are closed unless the Refuge has posted them as open. Access is permitted only on designated trails, sites, or facilities identified by the Refuge. Refer to the Refuge map and regulations for more information.

Law enforcement issues should be referred to Refuge headquarters at (541) 493-2612.

Day Use Only

The Refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Vehicles

Motorized vehicles and horseback riding are permitted only on designated roads identified on the Refuge map. Horseback riding is prohibited on East Canal Road, and ATVs and UTVs are prohibited throughout the Refuge. To help protect wildlife and their habitat, all areas not identified on the maps are closed to the public, including dike tops and fields.

Trails

Walking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing are permitted only on designated roads and trails identified on the Refuge map. Exercise caution on East Canal Road, which is shared with vehicular traffic. To help protect wildlife and their habitat, all areas not identified on the maps are closed to the public, including dike tops and fields.

Fishing and Hunting

Fishing and hunting are permitted on the Refuge at certain times of the year. Activities must comply with all applicable State of Oregon regulations, as well as the specific requirements established for each hunting area.

Boating

Nonmotorized or electric boats are permitted year-round on Krumbo Reservoir for recreation and fishing, and on Malheur Lake during hunting season. All other Refuge waters are closed to boating. 

Pets

Pets must remain on a leash while on the Refuge. Please clean up after your pets. To help protect wildlife and their habitat, all areas not identified on Refuge maps are closed to the public, including dike tops and fields.

Drones

Use of drones is illegal on the Refuge, and it is 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.

Weapons

Individuals who possess, transport, or carry firearms on land within the National Wildlife Refuge System must comply with all applicable state and local laws. Firearms may be discharged only in accordance with refuge-specific regulations, including 50 CFR § 27.42 and the applicable provisions of 50 CFR Part 32. Discharging firearms outside the designated 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, and objects of antiquity (including cultural resources) are prohibited.