Trip Description
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, located in Oregon’s remote Harney Basin, is one of the premier birding destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Each spring, the basin becomes a vital stopover for migrating waterfowl, cranes, shorebirds, raptors, and Great Basin songbirds, offering exceptional viewing across wetlands, sagebrush steppe, and open basin landscapes. The refuge is home to more than 340 species, as well as a variety of mammals, including pronghorn, coyote, badger, and porcupine.
Join Best Oregon Tours for a three-day guided birding adventure departing from Eugene, Oregon. This small-group tour is thoughtfully paced to balance early-morning wildlife observation with rest and exploration, during peak spring migration. Expert tour leaders and a dedicated naturalist ensure participants of all experience levels—from seasoned birders to nature enthusiasts—can fully enjoy one of Oregon’s most spectacular seasonal events. Optional excursions to scenic stops along the drive provide additional opportunities to experience the region’s unique wildlife and landscapes.
Birding Highlights
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Peak spring migration at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
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Possibility to see over 340 bird species, including:
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Wintering geese and swan, including Trumpeter Swan
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Locally breeding waterfowl such as Cinnamon Teal and Redheads
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Sandhill Crane and Franklin’s Gull in breeding plumage
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White-faced Ibis
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Raptors such as Swainson’s Hawk, Great Horned Owl, and Burrowing Owl
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Great Basin songbirds, including Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow, and Yellow-headed Blackbird
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Mammal sightings possible: pronghorn, coyote, badger, weasel, and porcupine
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Small group size limited to 24 participants for an intimate, expert-guided experience
Want more information about spring migration timing?
The United States Fish & Wildlife Service provides species-specific data showing average spring arrival dates at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting how migration timing varies by bird. Explore the full table here.
Itinerary
Day 1 (April 24)
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8:00 AM: Depart Eugene for Burns, Oregon
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Lunch: Roadside boxed lunch from a local restaurant (TBD)
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Afternoon: Check-in at hotel in Burns (TBD) followed by an optional bird tour or nature walk
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Evening: No-host dinner in Burns and a brief local activity
Day 2 (April 25)
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Morning: 6:30 AM breakfast in Burns followed by a 7:30 AM departure for the Malheur Wildlife Refuge HQ which opens at 8:00 AM.
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Afternoon: Return to the hotel for rest and lunch in Burns, followed by a local walking activity
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Evening: No-host dinner and an evening nature event or local exploration
Day 3 (April 26)
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Early dawn visit to Malheur and breakfast in Burns, then return drive to Eugene
Optional Stops en Route
To break up the drive between Eugene and Burns, we can incorporate stops at Sahalie/Koosah Falls, the Historic Fish Lake Remount Depot, McKenzie River area covered bridges, or Belknap Hot Springs
What's Included
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Comfortable round-trip transportation in Ford Transit touring vans
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Two nights of double-occupancy lodging in Burns
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Three breakfasts and three lunches
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Complimentary bottled spring or mineral water and healthy snacks
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Guided birding and nature activities throughout the tour
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Services of a professional driver-guide and study guide/naturalist
What to Bring
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Binoculars and camera equipment
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Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Sun protection and personal medications
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Refillable water bottle (optional)
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Swimsuit and towel
Trip Leaders
Clem Ogilby - Host/ Owner - Best Oregon Tours
Paul Winther - Obsidian Hike Leader
Ken Burton - Instructor/Naturalist
Ken Burton grew up in northern California and still calls it home. He worked as an administrator and biologist at The Institute for Bird Populations, the Yurok Tribe, and several consulting firms and now serves as an instructor for Road Scholar programs in California redwood forests and Oregon. He has written several books, including Common Birds of Northwest California and A Birding Guide to Humboldt County, California. In his spare time, he plays drums and travels the world in search of birds and adventure.
Additional Details
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Maximum of 24 participants; first-come, first-served
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Early morning departures are required to maximize wildlife viewing
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Lodging, meals, and activities may adjust slightly based on weather and wildlife conditions
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No-host dinners in Burns on select evenings
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Driver-guide gratuity at client’s discretion
Location
Departure: Eugene, Oregon
Primary Destination: Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney Basin, Oregon
Overnight: Burns, Oregon
