Facility Activities

The refuge has many activities for visitors to enjoy.  To learn more about what is available, pick up a refuge brochure (these are available on our website, at the Refuge headquarters building, or by request).

kids looking for wildlife through a spotting scope
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Wildlife watching

If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, consider a visit to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge!  From birding to big game, from viewing speedy pronghorn or slow-moving porcupines, wildlife observation is the most popular activity for refuge visitors.

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Photography

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography.  That’s not surprising – the digital camera population explosion and cell phones with ever-improving picture-taking abilities are increasing the number of nature...

Camping

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the night, the bright stars, and solitude from your tent or trailer. 

Camping is permitted year-round for up to 14 days only in designated campgrounds, please check our Current Conditions page for seasonal closures. Camping is not allowed on roads or pull-...

Hunting

In eastern Oregon, sagebrush stretches to the horizon, and the night skies shine without interference from city lights. Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is within this sparsely populated area, known by some as the “Oregon Outback.” It’s a relatively unknown area where hunters can venture...

Fishing

Fishing is allowed at Rock Creek, Guano Creek and Warner Pond. All visitors must follow refuge public use regulations, state regulations and refuge hunting and fishing regulations. See state regulations for season dates, bag limits/harvest and method of take. See the refuge website for rules and...

Ranger-led programs

National Wildlife Refuges serve many purposes, and one of our most important roles is as outdoor classrooms to teach about wildlife and natural resources.  While limited, Hart Mountain Refuge does offer environmental education programs for a variety of audiences and each year youth and...

Biking

Biking is allowed only on designated Open Routes (see map). Roads are open as indicated by road signs, refuge maps, or other information subject to weather and road conditions and for resource/habitat protection.

Auto tour

Many wildlife and scenic views can be seen from your car. Vehicles (both motorized and nonmotorized) are allowed only on designated Open Routes (see map). Roads are open as indicated by road signs, refuge maps, or other information subject to weather and road conditions and for resource/habitat...

Backpacking

Make sure to pick up a back country permit and see our rules and regulations when planning your outback escape into the backcountry.

Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Horseback riding

Hiking and Horseback Riding is allowed throughout most of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. While there are no designated routes or trails, most seasonal roads are closed to vehicles from December through early June and provide easy access free of vehicle travel. Post Meadows Campground is...

Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Hiking

Hiking and Horseback Riding is allowed throughout most of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. While there are no designated routes or trails, most seasonal roads are closed to vehicles from December through early June and provide easy access free of vehicle travel. Post Meadows Campground is...