Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve in Bear Lake County in southeast Idaho. The area consists of cattail marshes, open water, and flooded meadows located at an elevation between 1800 and 2070 meters.

The refuge was established in 1968 and includes the Dingle Marsh, which has changed over time. This wetland area reflects the ancient lake that once covered a much larger region before water levels dropped.

The refuge serves as a place where visitors can watch over 160 bird species living in their natural environment. It helps people learn about the wildlife that thrives in this high-altitude region.

The refuge is accessible by car from mid-April to mid-October via the Wildlife Observation Route for viewing multiple marshes and ponds. Early morning visits offer the best opportunity to see birds and other wildlife.

The refuge is an important nesting site for Trumpeter swans, which build their nests on muskrat lodges. These large birds are a signature feature that sets this location apart from other wetlands in the region.

Location: Bear Lake County

Operator: US Fish and Wildlife Service

GPS coordinates: 42.17454,-111.31777

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03