Summer Lake Wildlife Area
Summer Lake, OR
Marshes and a shallow alkali lake below the Winter Ridge escarpment, full of migrating birds in spring and fall. A gravel tour route leaves from the headquarters on OR-31.
Summer Lake Wildlife Area is a wetland and bird sanctuary in Lake County, south-central Oregon, managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It lies along Oregon Route 31, about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Bend, and covers almost 19,000 acres (about 77 km²) of high desert, meadows, marshes and open playa.
Hundreds of thousands of migratory birds stop here along the Pacific Flyway in spring and fall, and at least 280 species have been recorded. The agency names March to April as the best time for migrating ducks, geese and swans, and April to May for shorebirds and songbirds.
For road trippers: drinking water is available only at the headquarters on OR-31, so bring your own. The 8.3-mile (13 km) auto tour route is closed during hunting season, from early October to late January, and the four primitive campgrounds close then as well. A Wildlife Area Parking Permit is required to park. Check current rules before you go (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Summer Lake, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.9570, -120.7790
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Farm Well Horse CampCampsite11 mi from Summer Lake Wildlife AreaFree
- East Bay CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Summer Lake Wildlife Area
- Currier Springs Horse CampCampsite16 mi from Summer Lake Wildlife Area · 4 pitchesFree
- Thompson Reservoir CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Summer Lake Wildlife Area
- Silver Creek Marsh CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Summer Lake Wildlife Area
- Valley View RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Summer Lake Wildlife Area · 68 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Summer Lake Wildlife Area?
Summer Lake Wildlife Area is in Summer Lake, OR, at GPS 42.9570, -120.7790. It is about 22 mi from Paisley.
Can you camp near Summer Lake Wildlife Area?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ana River Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Summer Lake Wildlife Area?
Summer Lake Wildlife Area is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oregon Outback: volcanoes and high desert.
What is there to see near Summer Lake Wildlife Area?
Places worth a stop nearby: Crack-in-the-Ground (26 mi), Fort Rock (32 mi), Crater Lake National Park (67 mi) and Diamond Lake (70 mi).
When is the best time to visit Summer Lake Wildlife Area?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)