Clear Lake Refuge is the primary source of water for the agricultural program of the eastern half of the Klamath Basin. It consists of 20,000 acres of water surrounded by over 20,000 acres of upland habitat of bunchgrass, low sagebrush, and juniper. Small, rocky islands in the lake provide nesting sites for American white pelicans and double-crested cormorants. The refuge is closed to visitor access from spring through fall to protect nesting colonial and upland birds from disturbance. Recreation activities at the refuge include wildlife observation, study, and photography and hunting for waterfowl and antelope.