Spread across the Oregon-California border, the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge complex (map) comprises six refuges tied together by the Klamath River: Klamath Marsh, Upper Klamath, Lower Klamath, Tule Lake, Bear Valley and Clear Lake.

The Klamath Basin once contained more than 350,000 acres of marshlands, lakes, rivers and wetlands, but most of these marshes have been drained and filled to make way for commercial agriculture and development.  Today, the six refuges are only remnants of this once-vast wetland network.  These last fragments of the historic Klamath wetlands are a vital haven for millions of migratory birds.  They are the most important wildlife areas in the Western United States.

Explore Oregon Wild's Klamath refuge photo gallery

For nearly two decades, Oregon Wild has been the lead organization working to protect and restore the wildlife refuges of the Klamath Basin.  Explore the links below to learn more about our work to protect these natural treasures.

Latest News

Sacramento Bee--Refuge farms 'a deal-killer'

Bush administration exploits dam talks to promote agricultural development on Klamath refuges

Los Angeles Times -- Fields of Conflict in the Klamath Basin

Klamath Marsh NWR launches new conservation planning process

More Klamath Wildlife Resources

Oregon Wild's Refuges in Peril report explores the Klamath wildlife refuges, and suggests ways we can restore and protect these special places

The Klamath Lease Lands: How commercial agriculture endangers two of America's most important wildlife refuges

Map showing the historic wetlands of Lower Klamath and Tule Lake compared to what still exists today

"Permanent wetlands" on Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge