File:Wood River Wetland (31914902164).jpg

Photo by Greg Shine, BLM, August 26, 2016.

Birding, walking, canoeing, fishing, and waterfowl hunting are the primary attractions at the Wood River Wetland. The half-mile paved trail to the wetland area, and the many miles of levees provide ample opportunity for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing. For canoeists and kayakers, there is a hand-carry boat launch at the entrance area, and from there a short half-mile paddle to the Wood River, where boaters can travel up or downstream on the river. There are picnic tables, benches, and interpretive signs throughout the area.

The Wood River Wetland is home to a variety of raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, and migratory songbirds. Look for bald eagles, ospreys and northern harriers, wood ducks, mallards, cinnamon teal, killdeer, great egrets, meadowlarks, and yellow warblers. Beaver, river otters, and muskrats are also frequently seen on the waterways.Willows and cottonwoods make up the riparian habitat found at the entrance area and along the main trail, while wetland plants such as Hardstem Bulrush (Tule), Wocus (yellow water lily), Common Ca ttail, Bigleaf lupine, and many sedges and grasses are found in the wetland area.

The Klamath people lived in this area and harvested the bounty of local marshes. The abundant fish, mussels, and waterfowl provide an excellent food source. Tules and cattails were processed into a variety of useful items such as clothing, sleeping mats, nets, duck decoys, and were even used to make dwellings. Today, they continue to gather Wocus seedpods and prepare them for food.

Facilities include paved parking, a trail, a canoe launch, picnic areas and benches, toilets, and interpretive signs. There is no drinking water. Pets must be controlled on a leash. There are no visitor fees at this site.

The Wood River Wetland is open year-round for dayuse only. Camping is available at nearby resorts, and on the Fremont-Winema National Forests. Please note, the trails and roads are open to non-motorized travel only. Motorized access passes are available at the local Bureau of Land Management office in Klamath Falls for individuals with physical disabilities.

Waterfowl hunters should be aware that the Wood River Wetland is open daily two hours before sunrise and until a half hour after sunset. No pit blinds or permanent structures are allowed and no decoys or other equipment can be left unattended.

The Wood River Wetland is located about 30 miles north of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Travel north on Highway 97 for 14 miles. Turn left onto Modoc Point Road and travel north about 12 miles to the signed entrance to the Wood River Wetland.

District Contact Information:

Lakeview District Klamath Falls Resource Area Bureau of Land Management 2795 Anderson Avenue, Building 25 Klamath Falls, OR 97603