Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Birding Get-Away

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 9:00 AM 09:00
Saturday, April 25, 2026 9:00 AM 09:00

The Narrows RV Park 33468 Sod House Ranch Trail Princeton, OR, 97721 United States (map)

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Trip Description

Malheur Wildlife Refuge has been one of Bill and Ann-Scott’s favorite NW birding locations for over 40 years. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 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.

Trip Details

Leader Name: Bill and Ann-Scott Ettinger
Contact Info and best way to contact you: 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).

Meet-up time and location: Wednesday, ,4/22, 9AM, The Narrows RV Park, 33468 Sod House Lane, Princeton, OR 97721, next to the restaurant.
Limits: NA, drive on own and get own lodging. Carpooling if possible.
What to bring: All weather gear for spring in the high desert. Check forecast. Cold nights and mornings and cool daytime temps. Spotting scopes are helpful for ponds.
Description of Habitat and Target Species: Spring provides a wide variety of wildlife viewing opportunities on the Refuge. Birds are in fresh plumage and engaged in public display. Large flocks of some species make spectacular appearances in the newly wet meadows, which brings many species out in the open.