Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a nature reserve covering 74,000 acres of wetlands, mudflats, and open water at the delta where Bear River meets the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The landscape consists of shallow pools, channels, and marshland vegetation that create distinct habitats for different species throughout the year.

Established in 1928 to protect migratory bird populations in the region, this refuge was significantly impacted by severe flooding from the Great Salt Lake in 1983. The flood forced managers to rethink how the land is managed and led to new conservation strategies.

The protected marshes stand on traditional lands of the Shoshone, Paiute, Bannock, and Ute peoples, who called this area Newe or Meme. Visitors walking through the wetlands today experience the landscape that sustained these communities for generations.

The refuge features a 12-mile auto tour route where visitors can drive through different habitats and watch birds from their vehicles. An on-site visitor center offers interactive exhibits about local bird species and seasonal migration patterns to help you understand what you are seeing.

The refuge supports over 210 bird species and contains the largest freshwater component within the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. This concentration of diverse habitats beside a saltwater lake makes it an unexpected haven for migrating birds seeking freshwater and food.

Location: Box Elder County

Inception: 1928

Operator: US Fish and Wildlife Service

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/bear_river_migratory_bird_refuge

GPS coordinates: 41.50970,-112.06900

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:29