Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you Recreate Responsibly.

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information.
  • Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • American Avocets

    A Year of Wildlife

    With its great habitat diversity, Malheur attracts more than 340 bird species and other wildlife, and the abundance varies with the seasons.

    Watchable Wildlife Brochure

  • Benson Pond

    Open Daily, Sunrise to Sunset

    Great wildlife viewing sites are the Refuge HQ and the auto tour route (P Ranch, Krumbo Reservoir and Buena Vista, Benson and Knox Ponds).

    Blitzen Valley Auto Tour Map

  • Yellow Warbler

    Refuge Headquarters

    The variety of trees and shrubs at the Refuge HQ attracts many birds, making it one of the best places in Oregon to see migrating songbirds.

    Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Brochure

  • Loggerhead Shrike

    Recent Bird Sightings & More!

    Browse the Facebook of the Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (FOMR) to keep updated on what is happening at the Refuge.

    Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

  • Friends of Malheur Logo Promo

    Become A Friend Today

    Consider becoming a Friend of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Not only is it incredibly rewarding, even more importantly, it’s fun!

    Partnerships

Experience Malheur

Draft Compatibility Determinations for Hunting-Public Comment Period

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We are seeking your comments on Malheur NWR’s proposal to align our waterfowl and upland bird hunting regulations with State seasons and dates, and to open the Buena Vista Unit to a muzzleloader mule deer hunt in Fall 2021. Read the Draft Compatibility Determinations for waterfowl hunting and upland game/big game hunting.

Malheur NWR Draft Compatibility Determinations for Hunting

Existing Closures

Visitor Center Promo

Currently the Visitor Center, museum, and the Nature Store are closed until further notice. Please check back for updates.

Malheur Refuge Map

About The Refuge

Buena Vista Pond Rainbow

One of the crown jewels of the National Wildlife Refuge System, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge protects a vast complex of habitats in Oregon’s high desert. The Refuge is famous for its tremendous diversity and spectacular concentrations of wildlife. With more than 340 bird species and 67 mammal species, Malheur is a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Malheur Refuge Brochure
Sharing Harney Basin

Harney@Home Campaign

Harney Basin Promo

The Harney Basin's wet meadows are filling fast with migratory birds. Friends of Malheur and partners are working together in 'Sharing the Basin' while encouraging visitors to stay-at-home during the current public health emergency, but still staying connected to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and the Harney Basin. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Harney Basin by following @MalheurFriends, @RestoreMalheur, @HighDesertPartnership, and @MigratoryBirdFest for information, images, videos, and virtual tours.

Friends of Malhuer Facebook

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online