Planning a Visit
Klamath Basin Refuges
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When to Visit
For the wildlife enthusiast, a visit to the Klamath Basin Refuges at any season is a voyage of never-ending discovery. Year to year and season to season the dynamic ebb and flow of wildlife is a process of constant change. When you visit greatly determines what you will see. Click here for information on seasonal viewing  opportunities.

the Visitor Center is open 7 days You are encouraged to stop by the Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center when you first arrive. Refuge wildlife is colorfully described by exhibits and information regarding viewing opportunities, recent sightings, road conditions, and regulations is available. A non-profit bookstore offers wildlife-oriented books and other items. The visitor center is located on Hill Road, 5 miles west of Tulelake, California and 4 miles south of the California/Oregon line.

bluegoose.gif (1131 bytes)The center is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm;
weekends 10am-4pm.
How to Get Here
From California: Head north on Interstate 5 to Weed, CA, then northeast 45 miles on Highway 97 to the Oregon Border. Take Stateline Road (Hwy. 161) east towards Tulelake, CA to Hill Road. Turn south on Hill Road 4 miles.

From Oregon: Headquarters is located 20 miles south of Klamath Falls, Oregon via Hwy. 97 or Hwy. 39.

See the Area Map

See current road conditions in the Klamath Area
includes highway cams

 Along the stateline
Weather
The Klamath Basin is at an elevation of 4000 feet and is bounded by higher mountains. Weather here is particularly unpredictable and visitors should be ready for all conditions throughout the year. Generally, however, summers are sunny and warm with highs 75-85° and lows in the 40's, while winters are cold with freezing nights and occasional snow. Average winter highs are in the 40's. Due to the mountains which ring the basin, getting here in winter may be difficult. Watch for icy roads, especially at night. 		Current Conditions:
Where To Stay
The Klamath Basin is a large area and accommodations are abundant. Klamath Falls is a good central location and allows you easy access to all parts of the Basin. Many visitors camp in the many surrounding National Forests or nearby Lava Beds National Monument. There are also a number of small motels and RV parks in the communities of Tulelake and Merrill.


(US Forest Service, Park Service, etc)
FWS staff will be ready to answer your questions at the Visitor Center

Observation blind on Discovery Marsh trail

Paddle Upper Klamath Refuge

along the auto tour

 What to Do_
Visitors to the Klamath Basin Refuges enjoy many things!

at Tule Lake Refuge:

  • Drive the self-guided wildlife auto-tour route.
  • Enjoy the visitor center
  • Stroll through "Discovery Marsh" and learn about wetlands/wildlife
  • Hike up to the CCC-era  overlook for a bird's eye view of the refuge.
  • Paddle the canoe trail (July-Sept)
  • Use a photo-blind for early morning photography
  • Waterfowl & pheasant hunting (during state season, special regulations in effect)

at Lower Klamath Refuge:

  • Drive the wildlife auto-tour route.
  • Use one of the photo-blinds for great early morning photography.
  • Waterfowl & pheasant hunting (during state season, special regulations in effect).

at Bear Valley Refuge:

  • Observe the bald eagle "flyout" at sunrise.

at Upper Klamath Refuge:

  • Paddle the beautiful canoe trail from Rocky Point or Malone Springs.

  • Waterfowl hunting (during state season, special regulations in effect)

at Klamath Marsh Refuge:

  • Explore beautiful Wocus Bay

  • Paddle through the canoe area.

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