We were there in the spring, but ran out of time for a real visit and really just passed through. This time we’d make it our destination. Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge lies in Oregon’s outback. That is to say, it’s not really near a whole lot. Maybe that’s what makes it so nice. We made our way down highway 31, through Paisley and Plush and were able to arrive as the sun was going down. The wildlife were at home on the range.
We saw enough signs of activity on our arrival we started making a list. All in all we viewed (in no particular order): 1 sage grouse, 2 golden eagles, 1 owl (actually just listened to it at night), 6 deer, 46 pronghorn (at least), 11 turkey buzzards (and then some), 2 snakes, 12 chuckar and 5 sandhill cranes. Perhaps more, but that is what make the list. It was a good wildlife weekend and the refuge lived up to its name.
We settled in at the hot springs camp and actually found what we think is the nicest site open. Sunset quickly gave way to the full moon as the buzzards settled in for the night.
The next morning we headed off on a cross country hike. Up and up we went towards Warner Peak, beginning near the Barnhardi cabin.
We didn’t reach the top of the peak but we did get some great views from the ridgeline while scaring up few deer from their hiding places.
The wildlife outnumbered us and we didn’t see a sign of anyone else the entire day as we wandered the ridge. My kind of hike.
After lunch at the ridge top we wandered down, a quiet sunny day and a perfect hike. Where did the time go?
We finished off the day with a circuit of the south loop road around the refuge. Wildlife and views for miles across southeast Oregon.
The next morning after a quick soak in the hot springs and packing up camp we intended to hike out Poker Jim Ridge for a view to the west. The wind had kicked up and a fire that had been burning from a previous lightning storm and it was putting up some smoke just about where we were planning our hike for the day. Upon our first view it appeared to be 5-10 acres and not long after we saw the first single engine air tanker arrive with a load of retardant, quickly followed by a helicopter.
We modified our hike but we were able to see the petroglyphs at petroglyph lake and get an abbreviated view from the rim as the fire spread rapidly in the other direction to the north.
The wind was whipping and they may as well have been burning the money they were spending trying to check this fire, dubbed the Poker Fire for all the good the retardant was doing. A large air tanker was now on scene and we were escorted out by Forest Service law enforcement, even though we were already on our way out.
The fire we initially viewed at less than 10 acres grew to over 23,000 acres by the end of the day. We watched the smoke plume grow as we left the refuge. It rained the next day and the fire was contained the day after. It ended up being the largest fire in Oregon in 2019.
We stopped for a few views, a short hike and lunch before a quick stop in Plush for fuel and a burger in Paisley along the lonely road home.
Great trip report. Can’t wait to spend more time in that area.
Great trip report! Thanks for sharing. Hart Mountain is one of my favorite places in Oregon. If you haven’t been out to the Blue Sky, add it to your list for the next trip. The ponderosa grove there is an unexpected surprise. Visit the graves at the old Camp Warner site.
Thanks for the tip on Blue Sky Mr. Sage, I’ll put in on the list.