Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve on the California-Oregon border that spans roughly 47,000 acres of shallow marshes, open water, grasslands, and farmed areas. This mix of habitats supports large populations of waterfowl and other wildlife throughout all seasons.

The refuge was established in 1908 under President Theodore Roosevelt as the first waterfowl sanctuary in the United States and marked a turning point in conservation policy. This action inspired the creation of similar protected areas throughout the country.

The refuge is part of a network of protected areas in the Klamath Basin that provides vital stopover sites for millions of migratory birds each fall and spring. People come here to watch large flocks of ducks, geese, and cranes that fill the water and grasslands.

Visitors can explore the refuge using a ten-mile gravel auto route that passes by several viewing areas. Photo blinds can be reserved through the visitor center to get better shots of birds in their habitats.

The refuge uses an innovative rotation system that alternates marsh areas with farmed land to benefit both bird habitats and farm productivity. This balanced model shows how nature and farming can work together.

Location: Siskiyou County

Location: Klamath County

Operator: US Fish and Wildlife Service

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/lower_klamath

GPS coordinates: 41.94880,-121.69700

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40