There are six National Wildlife Refuges in the vicinity of the byway:

These refuges serve huge numbers and species of ducks, geese, swans, pelicans and other waterfowl as well as the largest wintering population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.

The Lower Klamath Lake Refuge is located just east of the byway and the Bear Valley Refuge is just west of the byway at this location.