The Call of the Wild
Oregon's abundant wildlife has attracted people for over 200 years -- some for the trapping, some for the hunting, and many just for the watching.
1.
Eastern Oregon Loop
From Lakeview, Hwy. 395 brings you to Burns, where it's only 26 miles as the crow drives on Hwy. 205 to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, a major feeding stop for 250 species of birds. Farther south, the rugged Steens Mountain area is home to bighorn sheep, golden eagles and a few herds of wild horses.
2.
Southern Oregon Loop
Start near Klamath Falls, where pelicans and bald eagles feather their nests and six nearby refuges attract millions of birds on the Pacific Flyway. Head east on Hwy. 140 to Lakeview and you'll be within easy range of the Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge on Hwy. 31 and the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.
3.
To Extend this Trip
Head north from Burns on Hwy. 395, then east on Hwy. 26, Hwy. 7 and Hwy 86 to the wild and woolly Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Continue on the Hells Canyon All American Road, taking FS Road 39 (The Wallowa Loop Road) and gaze into the magnificent canyon country, where deer, elk, black bear, wild sheep and mountain goats play. Continue to Joseph, to find sculptures of wildlife cast in bronze, then to La Grande for a visit to the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area.