Double O Barnyard Spring
Double O Barnyard Spring flows at 72°F within the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, emerging at 4,124 feet elevation with a neutral pH of 7.8 and a flow 22.1°F above ambient. Located just 29 meters from the nearest access point, the spring remains under restricted access managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service on permanently protected federal land.
The spring sits in Harney County's arid high desert basin at 4,124 feet elevation, where sagebrush flats and alkaline playas characterize the landscape. Annual precipitation totals just 12.1 inches with 25.1 inches of snow, creating one of Oregon's driest thermal spring environments. The refuge's wetlands and shallow lakes contrast sharply with surrounding uplands, providing critical habitat where the spring emerges near livestock management facilities. Steens Mountain rises to the south while the Blue Mountains define the northern horizon across this vast Basin and Range province terrain.
Access requires refuge permits and coordination with US Fish and Wildlife Service staff, as the barnyard area remains actively managed for wildlife purposes. Visit during spring and fall migration periods (March-May, August-October) to observe peak bird populations while respecting closures during nesting seasons. The roadside location allows easy monitoring but not recreational soaking. Winter temperatures average near freezing; summer heat exceeds 90°F regularly.
The 'Double O Barnyard' name reflects the spring's location within ranch infrastructure incorporated into the Malheur refuge system. The refuge was established in 1908 to protect breeding grounds for migratory birds, with many existing homestead and ranching features retained for wildlife management purposes. Historical records document limited detail about this specific spring's discovery or early use, though the barnyard reference indicates livestock watering during the ranching era before federal acquisition.
The water at Double O Barnyard Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8).
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