A backpacker in a bright valley overlooking a deep blue lake

Make sure to pick up a backcountry permit from the Refuge Complex Headquarters at 20995 Rabbit Hill Road, Lakeview, OR 97630 from Monday - Friday from 8am-4:30pm or at the Refuge headquarters and contact station at the Refuge when staff are present. See our rules and regulations when planning your outback escape into the backcountry.  You may complete it ahead of time and email it to the Refuge at sheldon-hart@fws.gov.  Print a copy and place bottom section face-up on vehicle dashboard.

Otherwise, completely fill out both top and bottom sections of the permit. Be sure each individual signs and dates each section. Maximum four individuals per permit; if there are more than four people per party, fill out additional permits as needed. Please tear at double line- leave top section at the refuge or send to the address above. Take the bottom section with you and leave face-up on the dashboard of your vehicle.

Permittee(s) will follow all Refuge public use regulations plus the following: 

  1. No camping within ½ mile of any open road and the permitee’s vehicle. 
  2. No camping within 100 yards of water. 
  3. Pack out all trash - "Pack it in, pack it out".
  4. No fires are allowed when backcountry camping.