Northern Mountains - California - page 723

Clear Lake just east of Ukiah) are closed to the public to protect their delicate habitats, but
the rest are open during daylight hours.
These refuges provide habitats for a stunning array of birds migrating along the Pacific
Flyway. Some stop over only briefly; others stay longer to mate, make nests and raise their
young. The refuges are always packed with birds, but during the spring and fall migra-
tions, populations can rise into the hundreds of thousands.
The Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges visitors center ( 530-667-2231; ht-
tp://klamathbasinrefuges.fws.gov ; 4009 Hill Rd, Tulelake; 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat &
Sun) sits on the west side of the Tule Lake refuge, about 5 miles west of Hwy 139, near the
town of Tule Lake. Follow the signs from Hwy 139 or from Lava Beds National Monu-
ment. The center has a bookstore and an interesting video program, as well as maps, in-
formation on recent bird sightings and updates on road conditions. It rents photo blinds. Be
sure to pick up the excellent, free Klamath Basin Birding Trail brochure for detailed
lookouts, maps, color photos and a species checklist.
The spring migration peaks during March, and in some years more than a million birds
fill the skies. In April and May the songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds arrive, some to
stay and nest, others to build up their energy before they continue north. In summer, ducks,
Canada geese and many other waterbirds are raised here. The fall migration peaks in early
November. In cold weather the area hosts the largest wintering concentration of bald
eagles in the lower 48 states, with 1000 in residence at times from December to February.
The Tule Lake and Lower Klamath refuges are the best places to see eagles and other rap-
tors.
The Lower Klamath and Tule Lake refuges attract the largest numbers of birds year-
round, and auto trails (driving routes) have been set up; a free pamphlet from the visitors
center shows the routes. Self-guided canoe trails have been established in three of the
refuges. Those in the Tule Lake and Klamath Marsh refuges are usually open from July 1
to September 30; no canoe rentals are available. Canoe trails in the Upper Klamath refuge
are open year-round. Here, canoes can be rented at Rocky Point Resort ( 541-356-2287;
28121 Rocky Point Rd , Klamath Falls, OR; canoe, kayak & paddle boat rental per hr/half-day/day $15/
30/40) , on the west side of Upper Klamath Lake.
Camp at nearby Lava Beds National Monument. Alternatively, a couple of RV parks
and budget motels cluster along Hwy 139 near the tiny town of Tulelake (4035ft), includ-
ing the friendly, brightly painted Ellis Motel ( 530-667-5242; 2238 Hwy 139; d without/with
kitchen $75/95) about a mile north of town. Comfortable Fe's B&B (

877-478-0184;