Recreation is a very important part of the lifestyle in Harney County.  There are numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with a wide variety of activities.  Harney County has national forests, lakes, streams, mountain ranges, high desert habitat, wildlife refuge, Wilderness and other areas that provide many outdoor features to enjoy.  Thus, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and other recreational opportunities (i.e. bird watching, photography, etc.) are all possible in the Harney County area.

Other Recreational Opportunities Include:

Golf:  The Valley Golf Club provides a 9 hole course and has an excellent ranking.

Birding is a favorite hobby for many that live and visit Harney County.  The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge provides a host of different bird species and the opportunity to view them in their natural habitat.  The Silvies Valley is also an amazing location to see thousands of migrating birds as they come through on their long journeys.  Viewing and watching birds and wildlife in these areas is a welcomed activity.  While you are enjoying the scenery, just try to make sure your person and vehicle are stopped off the road as these areas are through traffic ways.

• Refuge Bird List
• American Birding Association
• Oregon Birding provides great information for birding enthusiasts.

Rock hound resources from the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI):

• The Gold belt of the Blue Mountains - a report by Waldemar Lindgrin of the USGS from 1900 AD, link courtesy of the Historical Gazette.
• How (and where) to pan for gold
• Places to see
• Learn more about Oregon's geology from the U.S. Geological Survey 
• John Day Fossil Beds
• A geologist's lifetime field list