About Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 18, 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt as the Lake Malheur Reservation. Roosevelt set aside unclaimed government lands encompassed by Malheur, Mud, and Harney Lakes “as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds.” The newly established “Lake Malheur Reservation” was the 19th of 51 wildlife refuges created by Roosevelt during his tenure as president. At the time, Malheur was the third refuge in Oregon and one of only six refuges west of the Mississippi.Today, Malheur consists of more than 187,000 acres, a tremendously important source of wildlife habitat. The Refuge represents a crucial stop along the Pacific Flyway as a resting, breeding, and nesting area for hundreds of thousands of birds and other wildlife. Scroll down to learn more About Us - OUR MISSION, PURPOSE, and HISTORY.
How to Get There
Take State Highway 78 two miles east of Burns, Oregon. Head south on State Highway 205 for 24 miles to the large refuge sign. Head east on Harney County Road 405 (narrows to Princeton Road) for 6 miles. Turn left at top of hill into headquarters area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1263) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
Take State Highway 78 two miles east of Burns, Oregon. Head south on State Highway 205 for 24 miles to the large refuge sign. Head east on Harney County Road 405 (narrows to Princeton Road) for 6 miles. Turn left at top of hill into headquarters area.
How do I contact Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-493-2612 or email: malheur@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
