Description - The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established as a range and breeding ground for pronghorn antelope and other species of wildlife. Located in the northern Great Basin, the refuge is a volcanic fault block, which reaches 8,065 feet elevation at Warner Peak. The escarpment along the west face of the refuge consists of canyons, cliffs, steep slopes, and knifelike ridges which ascend 3,600 feet from the floor of the Warner Wetlands. The gentler eastern flanks of Hart Mountain are comprised of low ridges, hills and large, expansive plains. Vegetation of the refuge is typical for moderate size mountains of the northern Great Basin. Prominent cover types include low sage, big sage, juniper woodland, mountain brush, playas, aspen, and meadow. Pronghorn and sage grouse were the featured species at the time the refuge was established and still command a great deal of public interest.
Attractions
- Since its creation in 1936 as a range for remnant herds of pronghorn antelope, management of the refuge has broadened to include conservation of all wildlife species characteristic of this high desert habitat and restoration of native ecosystems for the public's enjoyment, education, and appreciation.
Recreation - Visitors to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge can enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife observation and photography. Climate - Eastern Oregon is generally high desert broken by several mountain ranges. Annual precipitation accumulates to less than 10 inches except for in the mountain ranges which receive higher amounts of winter snow and summer rain. Eastern Oregon experiences much greater temperature extremes than Western Oregon. Summer temperatures often reach 90 degrees F at the lower elevations and winter temperatures commonly drop well below freezing. Location -
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is located 65 miles northeast of Lakeview, Oregon, off Highway 140.
From Lakeview, where the Sheldon-Hart Mountain Complex office is located in the Post Office Building, take U.S. Highway 395 North about 5 miles. Turn right on Oregon State Highway 140 and go east 15 miles, then turn left at the sign to the refuge. Go 19 miles to Plush and continue through Plush, then turn right at the sign to the refuge. Follow the Hart Mountain Road to the refuge headquarters.
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