Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Oregon.


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Summary

It is a great place to visit for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including more than 200 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

One of the main reasons to visit Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge is for birdwatching. The area is a major stopover for migratory birds, including sandhill cranes, Canadian geese, and ducks. Visitors can also see a variety of raptors, including bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons.

There are several points of interest to see at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. The Baskett Butte Loop Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the area's wetlands and grasslands. Visitors can also explore the area's wetlands by canoe or kayak.

Interesting facts about Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge include that it was established in 1965 as a wintering area for dusky Canada geese, which were on the brink of extinction. Today, the refuge is home to a healthy population of dusky Canada geese. Additionally, the area is named after William L. Baskett, who purchased the land in the late 1800s and farmed it for many years.

The best time of year to visit Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall and winter months. This is when the area's migratory birds are present, and visitors can see flocks of geese and cranes flying overhead. The refuge is open year-round, but some areas may be closed during hunting seasons.

Overall, Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. It offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of Oregon and learn about the area's wildlife and history.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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