Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Directions: Office in Montpelier. The refuge is located 7 miles SW of Montpelier. Drive 3 miles W of Montpelier on U.S. Highway 89. Turn S on the graveled Bear Lake County Airport Road. Drive 5 miles to the north entrance of the refuge.

Primary Wildlife: Especially important as a nesting area for white-faced ibis, Canada geese and redhead ducks. Also a nesting, resting and feeding area for ducks, greater sandhill cranes, and a variety of water and shorebirds.

Habitat: 17,600 acres of marsh, open water, and grasslands at an elevation of 5,900 feet in the mountain-ringed Bear Lake Valley. The marsh is drawn down severely for agriculture in late summer and is covered with ice in winter.

Recreation and Education: Wildlife observation, study and photography. Waterfowl hunting. Upland game hunting.

Special Note: North Beach State Park on the south boundary of the refuge offers picnicking, swimming, and boat launching facilities.

Box 9, 370 Webster Street
Montpelier, ID 83254
(208) 847-1757