The ODFW Visitors' Guide

High Desert Region

---

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

Photo by Robert Mutch

Photos

Best time to visit: March - April for viewing migrating flocks of waterfowl including plumaged ducks, geese and swans. April - May for viewing migrant waterbirds and songbirds passing through the area.

Parking permit: Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, a parking permit will be required at Summer Lake Wildlife Area. Permits can be purchased at ODFW License vendors, at ODFW offices that sell licenses and online at ODFW’s website.  

What to see and do

At the wildlife area: This is one of the best places in Oregon to view migrating waterfowl and other shore and waterbirds. The area consists of a large marsh with associated uplands. An 8.3-mile tour route bisects the area. The route is closed during hunting seasons (early October through late January) to provide refuge areas for waterfowl. Viewing is not recommended during hunting seasons. Bird checklists and maps are available at the check station.

Nearby: Fort Rock State Natural Area, about 35 miles north, offers picnicking, wildlife viewing, rock formations and a hiking trail.

• Summer Lake Area Map (pdf)
• Features and Ownership Map (pdf)

Directions

Map (pdf)

Address and Phone

Summer Lake Wildlife Area
53447 Hwy. 31
Summer Lake, OR 97640
(541) 943-3152

Wildlife
Birds of prey	Songbirds	Shorebirds	Waterfowl	Wading birds	Carnivores
Facilities
	Campground	Hunting	Picnic	Restroom

---

Northwest Region | Southwest Region | High Desert Region | Northeast Region