Oregon

Established: 1936

270,608 acres

Official Site: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hart-mountain-national-antelope

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades_Headwaters_National_Wildlife_Refuge_and_Conservation_Area

USFWS

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established in 1936 to provide a range for remnant antelope herds. Refuge management practices have since been broadened to include conservation of all wildlife and native plant species characteristic of this high-desert habitat. Public enjoyment, education and appreciation for the species and habitat found here is encouraged.

Visit Us

A trip to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge provides visitors the opportunity to disconnect from daily life and enjoy fresh air, sweeping vistas, and a diverse landscape. The Refuge is an oasis in the desert. Snow melt and springs feed many seasonal and year-round creeks, attracting hundreds of species of wildlife. A natural hot spring nestled against the eastern base of Warner Peak provides a soothing retreat for area visitors.

About Us

More than 30 million pronghorn once roamed North America. By the turn of the 20th century, only a few small bands were left. Hart Mountain was one of the last strongholds of this fleet-footed species. Set aside as a home for pronghorn, the Refuge is renowned as a dramatic landscape rich in wildlife diversity.

Our Species

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established in 1936 to protect the American pronghorn which was in imminent danger of extinction. Together with Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge just a few miles south, the refuge today is important for the conservation of pronghorn, sage-grouse, American pika, California bighorn sheep, redband trout, and hundreds of other wildlife and plants which depend upon sagebrush habitats found in the high desert of the Great Basin.

Wikipedia: Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge on Hart Mountain in southeastern Oregon, which protects more than 422 square miles (1,090 km2) and more than 300 species of wildlife, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule deer, sage grouse, and Great Basin redband trout. The refuge, created in 1936 as a range for remnant herds of pronghorn, spans habitats ranging from high desert to shallow playa lakes, and is among the largest wildlife habitats containing no domestic livestock.[3]

Oregon Natural Desert Association

In the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, four free primitive campgrounds are managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. All are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Drinking water is only available at the Refuge Headquarters and Camp Hart Mountain; pit toilets are available at all campgrounds. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings at Hot Springs Campground and Camp Hart Mountain Campground, but bring your own firewood since it is not available to purchase and collecting is not allowed.

Note: Guano Creek campground at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge has been permanently closed to improve wildlife habitat.

Hot Springs Campground

4 miles south of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge headquarters

As the name implies, you’ll find a developed public hot springs for soaking here. There are 29 campsites; the springs holds six adults at a time.

Season: year-round, although winter snows periodically close the campground road.

Camp Hart Mountain Campground

Approximately 15 miles from Plush on the Hart Mountain Road

This campground sits right at the base of Hart Mountain; drinking water and picnic tables are available.

Season: year-round.

Post Meadows Campground

Follow Blue Sky rd south from the refuge headquarters for about 14 miles.

This campground has a corral available for horses. Pellets or certified weed-free hay is required.

Season: Dependent upon road access.

Video (By Others...)

Links