About Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge
These mature stands of trees have open branching patterns of large limbs which allow easy eagle access and can support many birds. Located on a northeast slope, the roost also shelters these raptors from the harsh and prevailing winter winds. In recent years, as many as 300 bald eagles have used the roost in a single night. Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge also serves as a nesting habitat for several bald eagle pairs.Past selective logging activities coupled with the exclusion of fire cycles have yielded excessive fuel loadings and overstocked tree stand densities, thus placing eagle roosting habitat at risk of catastrophic wildfire, and creating potential forest health problems. A plan for the long-term maintenance and improvement of bald eagle habitat has been implemented.To reduce the risk of wildfire and improve forest health at Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge, prescribed fire is used to maintain fuel loading at an acceptable level, and move the tree species composition toward a more natural condition (i.e., more fire-tolerant tree species). An adaptive management approach is used to examine the results of these management actions allowing for improved outcomes over time.Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Plan
How to Get There
To reach the viewing area from Klamath Falls, travel south on U.S. Highway 97 to Worden, Oregon. Turn west onto the Keno-Worden Road just south of Worden. A short distance after the railroad crossing, turn left onto a dirt road. Continue on this dirt road for 0.5 miles and park along the shoulder.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Bear Valley 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 Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1294) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge?
To reach the viewing area from Klamath Falls, travel south on U.S. Highway 97 to Worden, Oregon. Turn west onto the Keno-Worden Road just south of Worden. A short distance after the railroad crossing, turn left onto a dirt road. Continue on this dirt road for 0.5 miles and park along the shoulder.
How do I contact Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-667-2231 or email: David_Champine@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
