Malheur
Princeton, OR 97721-9502
Plan Your Visit
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 187,000 acres in southeastern Oregon’s Harney Basin. Its wetlands, lakes, meadows, riparian corridors, and sagebrush-covered hills provide habitat for wildlife and offer visitors opportunities to explore Oregon’s natural landscapes.
Refuge Headquarters
Begin your visit at Refuge headquarters, where you can explore the Visitor Center, Nature Store, and George Benson Memorial Museum. Find brochures, maps, current bird-sighting updates, and informative exhibits to help plan your time at the Refuge with the help of staff and volunteers.
Museum, Auto Tour, and Trails
The museum, auto tour, and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Located at Refuge headquarters, the George Benson Memorial Museum features historic taxidermy mounts representing many bird species found on the Refuge, as well as a variety of interpretive exhibits. Visitors can also experience the heart of the Refuge along the 42-mile auto tour route or explore the area on one of the nine trails.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at the Refuge headquarters, Buena Vista Overlook, Krumbo Reservoir, and historic P Ranch. Check the Refuge map to locate them and plan your visit accordingly.
Road Conditions
Refuge roads are gravel and require adequate ground clearance vehicles. Conditions may be poor year-round, and pullouts and turnaround areas are limited, especially for larger and recreational vehicles. Ensure your vehicle, tires, and fuel are ready. Closures may occur during hazardous conditions, particularly in fall and winter. For current road conditions, call (541) 493-2612 or email malheur@fws.gov.
Weather
The Refuge sits at 4,100 feet in a high desert where weather can shift quickly from storms and extreme heat to bitter cold. Prepare for severe conditions and long drives on paved and gravel roads. Bring a reliable vehicle with a full tank of gas, and expect aggressive mosquitoes in summer.
Cell Phone Service
Mountains, forests, and expansive open areas can obstruct cellular signals, resulting in inconsistent coverage for visitors exploring these scenic locations.
Lodging, Fuel, and Other Accommodations
The Refuge offers no camping, lodging, fuel, or food services. Nearby communities provide these amenities and other activities. For details, contact the Harney County Chamber of Commerce at (541) 573-2623 or visit the Harney County Chamber of Commerce website.
The Refuge headquarters is located approximately 30 miles south of Burns, Oregon. From Highway 78, head south on Highway 205 for 24 miles, then turn east onto Sodhouse Lane. Continue for approximately six miles and follow the sign to the parking area.
The latitude/longitude for the Refuge’s headquarters is 43.2653375, -118.8443.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Whether you support conservation, environmental education, or outdoor activities, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge offers ways to protect public lands, strengthen communities, and make a difference.
Why Volunteer at Malheur?
Volunteering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a rewarding way to build skills, connect with others, and support wildlife conservation.
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge welcomes volunteers with any level of availability. Join the team for a month or longer and help advance the Refuge’s mission.
Engaging Visitors and Supporting the Refuge
Founded in 1999, Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (FOMR) supports conservation and public appreciation of the Refuge’s natural and cultural resources. In partnership with Malheur, FOMR manages the Nature Store, maintains native-plant gardens and wildlife-viewing areas, and organizes outreach events.
About
Established in 1908, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 187,000 acres along the Pacific Flyway. Its diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, while conservation efforts preserve both the landscape and the history of the people who have cared for it for thousands of years.
