The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Warner Wetlands were formed thousands of years ago with the shifting of the Earth's crust. Today, this shifting has made space for over 40 miles of lakes that are chained together, and unique sand dunes surround each lake's area. The Warner Wetlands are a top Oregon destination for recreational opportunities, and visitors to the site can enjoy everything from bird watching in the spring and fall to OHV riding in the summer with interpretive hiking, and picnicking available all year long.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the Warner Wetlands and ensures it remains clean so that its ecosystem can continue to thrive. These wetlands encompass a 52,000-acre area and were first named a Special Recreation Management area in 1989.
The Hart Bar Loop is a trail in the Warner Wetlands that loops from the Hart Bar Interpretive Site to the wildlife viewing blinds and back.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail is a lengthy, difficult trail that runs through Oregon desert land.
Length: 37.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Chewaucan Descent of the Fremont National Recreation Trail is a descending part of the 130-mile Fremont National Recreation Trail best suited for mountain bikers.
Length: 10 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
Crappie, catfish, bass, bullhead, and rainbow trout are commonly caught in the many lakes on the Warner Wetlands. Warner suckers are also living in most of the lakes, but they are only permitted for catch and release fishing since they are considered endangered. Boating is also possible on some lakes, especially Hart Lake, which has one of the highest and most consistent water levels year-round. Anyone who likes to kayak or canoe can check out the Warner Valley Canoe Trail as well, which is a marked waterway trail that flows for 10 miles during seasons and years when the lake water levels are higher than usual. Note that any motorized boat use is prohibited on any of the lakes or water trails.
You can learn more about the Warner Wetlands, how they were formed, and their significance today by reading the interpretive signs placed by the BLM at the Hart Bar Interpretive Site, Warner Valley Canoe Trail, and Warner Valley Overlook. You can also read about the history of the area's hydrological cycle, a cycle that determines the amount of water in the area's lakes every year. Snowmelt and rainfall contribute to this, and the amount of water running into one lake often affects how much water will run into the next. For example, Cramp Lake has to be full in order to overflow into Hart Lake, and Hart Lake has to be full in order to overflow into the northern chain of smaller lakes.
Birdwatching is very popular at the wetlands in the spring and fall during migration season, and bird enthusiasts can see them best from the wildlife viewing blinds or the Warner Valley Overlook, both of which can be accessed via short hiking trails that are connected to the Hart Bar Interpretive Site. Species of raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, secretive marsh birds, and songbirds call the area home year-round, while birds like ducks, geese, swans, and coots migrate through seasonally. American white pelicans, yellow rails, and snowy egrets also breed here.
Picnic shelters and tables are set up for visitors to use at the Hart Bar Interpretive Site, and picnicking is allowed in the wide spaces of the wildlife viewing blinds and Warner Valley Overlook when you want to watch the wildlife while you eat. No matter where you choose to have a picnic, be sure to pick up after yourself and leave no food behind for the birds and other animals.
OHV riding is allowed at the Warner Wetlands, and riders find that the dunes between lakes are a great place for bumpy rides. However, all OHV riders are asked to stay on the marked, open trails at the Warner Wetlands only.
If you'd like to go RV camping with full hookups, try staying at a campground nearby the Warner Wetlands such as the Kiamath Falls KOA Journey. This campground not only has hookups for RVs, but also a pool and free Wi-Fi. Another choice you have is the Waterwheel RV Park, which has the same amenities and is located on a fishing and swimming lake.
When performing a search for "BLM camping near me," consider staying at the Warner Wetlands. Dispersed camping with either a tent or RV is allowed here, and there are even some marked campsites along the lake chains. This is a Bureau of Land Management free camping option, although this option is primitive-only, meaning you will not have access to any RV hookups, electricity, or water. Cell reception may be sparse, too.
When you plan on visiting the Warner Wetlands, it's advised that you bring wet weather gear, no matter what time of year you visit. Anglers may like to have proper boots and waders for fishing, while hikers may want to have thick shoes and insect repellent for hiking trails that may be muddy. Everyone who visits is advised to bring more than enough drinking water as well since there are no water outlets on the land.
If you're planning on staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, be sure to bring things like water and battery-operated or solar-powered equipment for your primitive stay. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All Warner Wetlands visitors are asked by the BLM to follow the Leave No Trace principles, a set of simple rules that help keep the wetlands clean for generations to come. To follow these rules, be sure to do things like pick up your own trash, watch your campfires closely, and keep your distance from the wildlife.
To reach the Warner Wetlands from Lakeview, take U.S. Highway 395 for 6 miles north. Then, turn onto Highway 140 and travel for 14 miles until it becomes County Road 3-13. From there, travel 15.8 more miles, and then turn east onto County Road 3-12. Drive 4 more miles, and then you'll reach the Hart Bar Interpretive Site within the wetlands.
Ready to visit Warner Wetlands? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
