Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge: Things to Do & Top Adventures

Hiking

The refuge's open terrain offers excellent hiking opportunities, but the trails are not maintained. However, two-track and dirt roads can be used instead of established trails.

Popular hikes include those to DeGarmo Canyon, Barnhardi Cabin, and Warner Peak, which start from the south end of the Hot Springs Campground.

For a unique experience, hike to Petroglyph Lake, one of Oregon’s most significant petroglyph sites. The lake features about 65 petroglyph panels along its western rim, depicting animals, people, and abstract figures such as circles, lines, and waves.

The Petroglyph Lake Trailhead is located on Hart Mountain Road, 1 mile northeast of the Refuge Visitor Center. From the trailhead marked "Petroglyph Lake," it’s a 1.6-mile hike to the lake.

GPS (Petroglyph Lake Trailhead): N 42°33.371' W 119°40.316' | 42.556182, -119.671925

GPS (Petroglyph Lake): N 42°34.677' W 119°40.452' | 42.577949, -119.6742

Hart Mountain (Antelope) Hot Springs Soaking

Accessible year-round, Hart Mountain Hot Springs are a collection of hot mineral springs offering excellent soaking opportunities at an elevation of 6,000 feet.

The main hot spring is surrounded by rustic stone walls that protect those within from the chill of the cold winds. Another smaller, undeveloped pool is located 100 yards away.

Hart Mountain Hot Springs: High Desert Adventure

Fishing

The refuge offers excellent trout fishing at Rock Creek, Guano Creek, and Warner Pond. Warner Pond is wheelchair accessible, allows non-motorized boats, and features a floating dock.

Wildlife Viewing & Photography

As an animal-focused refuge, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is an excellent place for wildlife observation. Commonly seen species include pronghorn antelope, California bighorn sheep, and sage-grouse.

A special-use permit is required to photograph near sage-grouse leks between March 1 and June 1. Permits are also required for any commercial photography or video production. Visit the refuge’s website to apply.

Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge Camping and Lodging

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is an excellent location for camping, with options available year-round for up to 14 days at designated campgrounds:

Camp Hart Mountain offers eight campsites suitable for trailers, with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground is a primitive site with approximately 25 campsites, accommodating both tent camping and trailers up to 24 feet, with vault toilets and fire rings.

Post Meadows includes four campsites suitable for trailers, with vault toilets.

Guano Creek is open for camping from August 1 to December 1, with 10 campsites and vault toilets.

Backcountry Camping requires a self-issued permit, available at the Refuge Headquarters or online.

However, if you prefer more comfortable accommodation, you can stay in Plush or Lakeview.

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays in Plush

Lodging in Lakeview

Open: Year-round
Managed by: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Acreage: 278, 600 acres

Amenities: Visitor center, pit toilets at campgrounds
Activities: Camping, hiking, soaking, rockhounding, fishing, and wildlife observing

Distance from the parking: Vary
Road access: Any vehicle via maintained roads; road is closed seasonally
Day-use fees: None

Lowest elevation: 4,470 ft (1,362 m) at Base of Poker Jim Ridge
Highest elevation: 8,017 ft (2,244 m)  at Warner Peak

Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge is located:

• 67 miles northeast of Lakeview
• 112 miles southwest of Burns
• 386 miles northeast of Portland.