hart mountain national antelope refuge

Hart Mtn is a place you go to on purpose. Its purpose was to ensure the survival of Pronghorns so future generations could continue hunting this truly American Species. They have done their job very well and continue to keep track of the health of the species.hart Mtn is a place with few services and plenty of nothing...the reason most people go there. If you have never been there please take sufficient supplies and equipment to recover yourself and party. Most of the area. I was there recently, has No Cell Phone coverage so don't plan on a quick 911 call to get someone out there. Go prepared and you will enjoy yourself immensely.

We did a day trip from Juniper RV Park in Lakeview. The drive was wonderful and part of the days beauty. The preserve is very well done, like all National Park venues. Good roads, nice places to picnic. We first stopped at Warner Lake to rest the dogs from the ride, then found the visitors center, drove off the main road a few minutes to a large watering hole (Petrogylph Lake) for the antelope and they were around in huge numbers, all sizes. They weren't too worried about our presence so didn't immediately run but when they did, that was a sight to see. We have 4wd but a regular car could get in almost to the end and then walk maybe a 1/4 mile of rutted road to the lake.We cruised the campground cause we're campers and the hot springs did look wonderful but we don't camp w/o power and water, so not for us. Do be aware when driving that Pronghorn will run onto the road. Back in Lakeview, I had a deer leap out onto the road but I was able to brake as he did a skid of his own...no one was hurt.

this is a top favorite for our family to camp & soak. we find a good site, set up and the kids can do their thing as can we. The hot spring is cemented, but rustic. Its free.We don't come during hunting season because its upsetting to the kids to see the dead antelope. Not my favorite either. Its a long drive, but really worth it.

Located deep in south eastern Oregon, Hart Mountain is a drive worth taking. High desert landscape sucks you in and you begin to notice small things you might otherwise overlook. Suddenly you will encounter Pronghorn Antelope or perhaps a herd of Mule Deer near or on the road in front you, ( speed limit is necessarily low) and minus hunting pressure.the animals are much less skittish. photographic opportunities abound. There are hot springs should desire an invigorating soak, a small but well informed visitors center and the vistas are stupendous. This a side of Oregon many never see, but should not be missed. One of my favorite places we have visited, anywhere. I urge you to go. Remember: this is the outback. Go prepared, water, food, tank full of fuel, binoculars. weather can be hot, frigid, WINDY, and changeable. Take your sun glasses, a pair of hiking boots, and above all a good camera.

I admit, I didn't see any antelope. It was snowy in the refuge, I arrived late, and I didn't have much time to explore for wildlife. However, antelope or no antelope, it's well worth the time to drive up from Hwy. 140 to Plush and into the preserve. The views of the valley are stunning.