About Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
The Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1958 as sanctuary for migratory birds. The refuge primarily consists of 43,737 acres of wet meadows, open water wetlands, and a riparian river corridor. this large natural marsh, with a backdrop of the Cascade Mountain Range in central Oregon, encompasses the upper reaches of the Williamson River and provides important nesting, feeding, and staging habitat for waterfowl, secretive marsh birds such as the yellow rail, and sandhill cranes. Bird diversity is high given the mosaic of habitat types within and around Klamath Marsh. The refuge is also one of the last remaining strongholds of the Oregon spotted frog, a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This refuge along with the 16,933 acres of wetlands on the nearby Upper Klamath Refuge continues to have a rich cultural heritage. It includes part of the historic lands and former reservation used by the Klamath Tribes, who hunt, fish, and gather on the marsh and river today.
How to Get There
From Klamath Falls, Oregon: travel north on Highway 97 approximately 45 miles. Turn right onto Silver Lake Road and travel east 9.5 miles to Forest Service Road 690. Travel south 4 miles on this gravel road to the canoe launch. To travel to the refuge headquarters, stay on the Silver Lake Road until milepost 17.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1457) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
From Klamath Falls, Oregon: travel north on Highway 97 approximately 45 miles. Turn right onto Silver Lake Road and travel east 9.5 miles to Forest Service Road 690. Travel south 4 miles on this gravel road to the canoe launch. To travel to the refuge headquarters, stay on the Silver Lake Road until milepost 17.
How do I contact Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-783-3380 or email: walt_ford@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
