The refuge provides over 250,000 acres of habitat for wildlife, primarily pronghorn antelope, California bighorn sheep, mule deer and sage grouse. Sagebrush, juniper, and native bunch grasses are the predominant vegetation, with aspen and pine groves present in canyons and along steep, precipitous, and spectacularly beautiful rims.
Recreation in the refuge consists of wildlife observation, study, and photography, big game hunting, limited stream fishing, and primitive camping.
Located 68 miles NE of Lakeview, the refuge is reached by traveling north then east on Hwy 140 for 22 miles, then north 20 miles to Plush. At the north end of Plush, turn east on the Frenchglen/Hart Mountain Refuge Road for 25 miles. There is no gas at the refuge.