Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Directions: Five miles SW of Nampa at Lake Lowell. From Nampa at 12th Avenue, drive W on Lake Lowell Road to Upper Embankment Road. Drive W 1 mile, across the upper embankment to the end of the road and refuge headquarters.

Primary Wildlife: Lake Lowell is a wintering area for ducks, mostly mallards, and Canada geese. Bald eagles and other wintering raptors are attracted by waterfowl concentrations, often feeding on weak and injured birds. Nesting marsh and water birds include western grebe, great blue heron, and black-crowned night heron. California gulls, ring-billed gulls, and double-crested cormorants are commonly seen. The Snake River Islands provide ideal nesting habitat for Canada geese, many ducks and local birds.

Habitat: The Lake Lowell Sector, 10,587 acres, includes a Bureau of Reclamation reservoir. Annual irrigation drawdown exposes mud flats where extensive stands of smartweed attract large numbers of birds. Exposed mud flats also attract flocks of shorebirds during late summer. Sagebrush flats and riparian woodlands are also present. The Snake River Islands sector includes 107 islands on the Snake River extending for 113 miles from Ada-Canyon County line west to the Brownlee Reservoir. Island cover is varied, with grass, brush, and trees providing wildlife habitat.

Recreation and Education: Wildlife observation, study, and photography. Visitor contact station. Duck and upland game hunting. Warmwater fishing. Picnicking, boating and other water-related recreation. Boat launching is available. Sailboats and motorboats limited from April 15 to September 30.

Special Note: Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Enclosed area for community group programs available by advance reservation.

13751 Upper Embankment Road
Nampa, ID 83686
(208) 467-9278 or 888-5582