Paisley Conservation Area preserves a diverse high desert landscape in south-central Oregon, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring unique geological formations.
Paisley Conservation Area is located in Lake County, Oregon, encompassing a range of habitats including sagebrush steppe, juniper woodland, wetlands, and riparian corridors. The area sits near the town of Paisley in the Warner Valley and protects important ecosystems representative of the Great Basin high desert. It provides breeding and foraging habitat for a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, and many migratory bird species. The geology of the region is shaped by volcanic activity with basalt flows and ancient lakebeds, contributing to a distinctive terrain of rolling hills, flat basins, and scattered wetlands. The conservation area's wetlands are vital stopover points for waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking on informal trails, birdwatching at several accessible vantage points, and exploring nearby archaeological and historical sites related to the region’s Native American heritage. The area appeals particularly to those interested in quiet, off-the-beaten-path nature experiences and wildlife photography. Though less developed than many state parks or national forests, Paisley Conservation Area provides excellent opportunities for immersive wildlife observation, educational visitations, and peaceful solitude in an intact high desert environment.
Extensive wetland habitats supporting migratory waterfowl
Opportunity to observe greater sage-grouse and other sagebrush-dependent species
Panoramic views of Warner Valley and distant Lava Beds National Monument
Nearby archaeological sites reflecting early human habitation
A complex of marshes and ponds that provide critical habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.
Scattered juniper groves characterize much of the upland terrain, supporting a variety of wildlife and adding to the area’s scenic diversity.
Nearby area with significant Native American archaeological findings, including some of the oldest human fossils in North America.