tule lake national wildlife refuge

It doesn't get much better than this for winter bird watching. Start off at the excellent visitors center, full of exhibits and resources, including knowledgeable rangers who can direct you to the hot spots in the refuge. Then head out on the automobile tour route, which takes you into the heart of the wetlands. We saw a pair of bald eagles about two minutes after we started, and pulled over for some binocular and photo time. So many ducks and geese--it truly is a birding paradise. It also happens to be located in the stupendously scenic Klamath Basin, with views of the surrounding cinder cones, cliffs, Mt. Shasta, and endless skies. It's wonderful.

We saw thousands of migratory birds: Canada geese plus many other species of geese, grebes, ducks, blue herons, red-wing blackbirds, pheasants and many more; but what was most interesting were all the hawks. We probably saw more than 50.

This is a great spot to bring a chair and your binoculars and see what might land on the lake. There is at least one large blind on the water for public use and another smaller one that can be reserved. The day we were there we saw thousands of birds dabbling and diving in the lake. If you are a birder, stop here.

We planned on passing an hour here on our way to tour the segregation internment center but ending up staying much longer. Beautiful contrasting scenery of rocks, cliff faces, marshes, canals and lake. We saw herons, egrets, grebes, terns, ducks, falcon, hawks, northern harrier, swallows, to name but a few. We went on to stay at McArthur Burney Falls and we definitely plan to return to both. The kids enjoyed ticking off the bird checklist provided at the visitor center. Highly recommend, bring bug spray.

This year (2014) there is a major drought in Northern Calif. Tule lake however, still has water in it. Lots of Western, Clarks, and Eared grebes, American White Pelicans. Hundreds of Marsh Wrens on the south border (inside Lava Beds Nat Monument, and at the Petroglyph Point part of the Nat Monument, a cliff with adult and fledgling Prairie falcons and lots of Kestrels chasing Cliff Swallows. Late June is not the best time to visit, since there are thousands of birds there during migration, but it is a really good refuge with lots of open shallow water in spite of the drought.

Went with a friend "eagle watching." Saw several eagles plus hawks, Tundra Swans, American and Eurasian Wigeon, 100's of canvasbacks and common mergansers. The eagles were close and easy to see from the road. The waterfowl were far enough out on the lake you needed a spotting scope or really powerful binoculars. But definitely an enjoyable afternoon!

This area boasts of natural history with bald eagles, golden eagles, and several species of hawks. Tule Lake is a stop over of multiple species and for more than a million birds during their spring migratory patterns. It also has history of WWII internment of Japanese/US citizens. It is the area of U.S. military efforts to contain Indian resistance.They were unsuccessful in capturing the leader, Captain Jack.Lava Beds National Park is in the area as well with many lava bed caves to explore. Schedule plenty of time or maybe multiple days to do justice for exploring all the interesting sites.

I have been through the refuge many times and have always seen something new. Sometimes it's coyotes playing on the frozen lake or baby otters playing next to the road or huge bucks or even a bobcat. The birds are wonderful too. Make sure to bring a bird book and stop in to the visitor center to get pointed in the right direction.

We visited during the summer so saw lots of grebes with their babies, don't forget about the farmland as we saw a pheasant and coyote. If you are into birds this is a great spot. You can close? We would love to visit during migratory season. And be sure to check out the marsh a few miles north near the visitors center. Warning lower Klamath refuge was dry so not so many birds there....still it was interesting. Basically this is a driving tour. Great for photography.

It was amazing to witness so many different species of birds in one place. We found the small Visitor Center welcoming and informative.

The good news is that water is flowing once again to one of the premier bird sanctuaries in the western states. For years, the area languished under governmental indecision and local needs. The bottom line, the ponds are filling in and around the eastern flank of the refuge. It was good to see that, despite the rather slow-time of the year, there was still plenty of wildlife to be seen including deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ibis, egrets and herons. I look forward to the fall-winter-spring seasons for the migrations to fill the nesting and food gathering sites. This is the fourth consecutive year we have visited this lovely place and look forward to years more. The rangers have also added a convenience station mid-way; good for us old-timers. The drive along the levee's gives one close access to bird sitings for all manner of water fowl and bird alike. The visitor center is a great place to learn about the area and report sitings in and around the refuge.

Wonderful for bird lovers and great for scenery lovers. Different seasons bring different birds. We saw eagles, pelicans, widgeons, hawks, coots, stilts, ducks, and more. Also deer and rabbits.

Amazing number and variety of migratory birds that winter over in the area. Well laid out driving and walking areas.

A birders paradise! Lava beds, cinder cones, the landscape is fascinating as well! Saw plenty of deer and even a coyote in the distance~

This wildlife Refuge is on the northern end of Lava Beds National Monument. There were birds on the water,but we were too far away to see what they were. Have binoculars with you.