Harney County is part of the Great Basin, so most of the waters flowing from the mountains never leaves the area. Most of the water flows to Malheur Lake, the focal point of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
The Refuge HQ is 30 miles south of Burns. The 193,000 acres are a feeding and resting area for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway, making this a birdwatcher's mecca, particularly in spring and fall.
One of the nicer spots on the Refuge is Benson's Pond (pictured above), located on the Central Patrol Road. Plan to spend several hours here and bring camera, film, and binoculors or spotting scope.
