Established in 1978 to protect a major night roost site for wintering bald eagles, the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge spans 4,200 acres of mostly old growth ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white and Douglas fir trees.
As many as 300 bald eagles have used the roost in a single night. To reduce disturbance to the birds, the refuge is closed to the public (except for walk-in deer hunting) before November 1.
The refuge is included in the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
