Summer Lake Wildlife Area, Wildlife refuge in Lake County, Oregon

Summer Lake Wildlife Area is a refuge combining wetlands, marshes, meadows, and desert uplands in south-central Oregon. The varied habitats create different environments where water birds, shorebirds, and land animals find food and shelter.

The refuge was established in 1944 to protect waterfowl populations after severe droughts devastated habitats in the 1930s. This action was part of wider efforts to restore natural ecosystems for wildlife survival.

The refuge lies on the Pacific Flyway, and its wetlands host hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year. Waterfowl and shorebirds stop here in spring and fall. The Ana River, fed by springs that flow at a constant 52 °F (11 °C), keeps the marsh pools open through cold winters.

A scenic 8-mile driving loop allows easy wildlife viewing, while two viewing blinds provide quiet spots for watching birds gather in large numbers. Early mornings typically offer the best wildlife activity and clearer viewing conditions.

The Ana River's spring-fed flow stays at 52 °F (11 °C) year-round, keeping refuge wetlands ice-free in winter. The river runs only 7 miles (11 km) from its springs below Winter Ridge to Summer Lake, and hunting-license sales alone fund the refuge's operation and maintenance.