Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - with Spokane Audubon

## Spokane Audubon Society

## Trip Details

Leader Name: Bill and Ann-Scott Ettinger (Spokane Audubon Society)
Contact Info and best way to contact you: [bark4snow@comcast.net](mailto:bark4snow@comcast.net) or 509-998-7072 (text)
Registration date: No deadline, except that lodging/camping options will be fewer and fewer as months pass. We will be there no matter what.
Level of Birder: Everyone, though birding is the main reason to be there.
Length of Trip: several overnights, since it is an 8 hr drive from Spokane.
~430 miles from Spokane. Roughly an 8 hour drive via I90 and 395 to Burns, OR, Oregon Highway 205 (Frenchglen Highway) to Narrows, then Sodhouse Lane to the Refuge Headquarters (~ 6 miles).

Join Bill and Ann-Scott at one of their favorite birding locations, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Malheur NWR is located in Southeastern Oregon’s high desert, at the northern end of the Great Basin. It is adjacent to Steens Mountain, from which the Wild and Scenic Donner und Blitzen River flow into the Refuge’s southern boundary. The Refuge is famous for spectacular concentrations of wildlife, which are attracted to the Refuge’s habitats and abundant water resources in an otherwise arid landscape. Visitors are drawn to Malheur’s abundant wildlife and natural resources, and the variety of recreational opportunities the Refuge provides for visitors to enjoy.


Visiting Malheur in late April-early May is the best time to view spring migrants and have fewer mosquitos around. There are several auto tour routes as well as flat gravel trails that access areas by foot or bike throughout the refuge, 0.3 mi-3 miles in length. (Map) (Trail Map)
Bill and Ann-Scott enjoy camping at The Narrows RV Park because it is close to the Refuge Headquarters, one of the best birding spots at Malheur! Many other lodging options are available in the area though, within 30-45 min away from Headquarters.
Bill and Ann-Scott plan to do some driving around the refuge, stopping frequently, time at the Headquarters, and some time walking the gravel/dirt trails, all depending upon the weather and group input. Family friendly for bird enthusiasts!
Don’t hesitate to contact us for more specific details.