Summer Lake Wildlife Area – Southeastern Oregon

Bird watching along the levee roads and enjoying  spring time beauty at the Summer Lake Wildlife Area (SLWA). Operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, this 19,000 acre preserve is home to over 280 species of birds, and plays a critical role in maintaining biodiversity in Oregon’s arid interior. Its mosaic of habitats supports a high concentration of bird species, serves as a critical breeding and migratory refuge, and highlights the importance of wetland conservation in semi-arid environments.  Situated at the western edge of the Great Basin, just north of the community of Summer Lake, the area is characterized by flat, expansive wetlands and surrounding uplands, with dramatic views of the Fremont-Winema National Forest and nearby Winter Ridge. The wetlands are fed by water from Ana River, Springs, and seasonal runoff. The water levels fluctuate based on precipitation, irrigation, and management practices. A semi-arid climate dominates, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Precipitation primarily occurs in the winter and early spring, often as snow. The wetlands of Summer Lake are the most prominent feature of the wildlife area, and are comprised of three types of marsh: Seasonal Marshes: These are flooded during winter and spring, supporting breeding and nesting habitats for waterfowl and shorebirds. Permanent Wetlands: Areas like ponds and canals provide year-round aquatic habitats. Salt Flats: Formed by evaporative processes, these areas host salt-tolerant plant species like pickleweed. The surrounding upland areas feature sagebrush steppe ecosystems dominated by: Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), which provides habitat for sage-dependent species.  Native bunchgrasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides). And wildflowers such as bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) and paintbrush (Castilleja spp.).  Summer Lake, Lake County, Southeast Oregon high desert.  Summer Lake Wildlife Area, Lake County, Southeastern Oregon High Desert.                                   Lake County, Summer Lake