Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north shore of Bear Lake. Over 1,760 acres of marsh, open water and grasslands have been dedicated to preserving bird and wildlife habitats. The reserve is home to sandhill cranes, herons, snowy egret, white pelicans and a variety of ducks and geese species. The Refuge has one of the largest Canada geese producing areas in the western United States. Walking trails take you to view the birds and other wildlife found at the refuge.

As you drive along the shores of Bear Lake or along a nearby canyon road, don't be surprised if you see mule deer in the early spring sampling the fresh green leaves and foliage. Perhaps you may spot a moose knee-high in a mountain creek or see trumpeter swans and pelicans floating on the lake. Bring along your binoculars and see what you can spot!

The Refuge is located about 10 miles from Montpelier. To get to the Refuge from Montpelier, take Hwy 89 south for about 3 miles and turn left onto a gravel road. This turnoff is marked with brown informational signs. Continue straight for about 5 miles until you see the refuge entrance sign. Continue straight for 2 more miles, bearing left at the "Y" to access the Auto Tour Route. From the south, head north on Hwy 89 and turn right at the brown informational signs in Paris (E 2nd N Street). Travel on this gravel road for about 3 miles and the refuge entrance will be immediately to your right once you cross the Outlet Canal bridge

When?
Plan your visit according to the season and time of day. Wildlife is generally more active in mornings and early evenings than in the afternoon.

Spring, summer and fall are good times to take advantage of the Refuge’s excellent viewing opportunities. The months of May and June are especially prime times to see a lot of wildlife activity including young Canada goose goslings scurrying to follow their mothers.

Where?
Often the best bet is to drive along the Wildlife Observation Route around the Salt Meadow Unit; there you should see a variety of waterfowl, waterbirds and shorebirds. You may hike on all refuge roads that are open to vehicle travel. Driving the roads that encircle the refuge provides broad vistas of habitat and good chances to see wildlife. Map

How?
Your car is an excellent observation and photographic blind. Staying in your car will often avoid scaring wildlife and provide you with better viewing opportunities.

Use binoculars and spotting scopes to bring animals “closer” to you without disturbing them.

Binoculars, camera, insect repellant, bird identification books, water and a lunch will contribute to a pleasant visit.

Hiking
Hiking is permitted on all roads open to vehicle travel. General hiking is permitted July 1 - January 20 in areas of the refuge marked on the map as seasonally open.
The accessible walking trail is open March 15 - September 20.

Access
Please respect the property rights of others. Permission should be obtained from adjacent landowners before crossing private land to enter open portions of the refuge.

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Those who choose to enjoy the refuge in this manner are welcome. Use areas and dates are the same as those for hiking.

Vehicles and Parking
Use of any motorized vehicles and bicycles is permitted only on the roads and trails shown on the map in this brochure. You may park at any road’s edge in a manner that does not obstruct traffic or in designated parking areas. Refuge roads may be snowed in December to mid-March.

Boating
Boating for waterfowl hunting is permitted only in those areas shown as open to boating on the map in this brochure. Motorized and non-motorized boats may be used September 20 - January 15.

The Canoe Trail is open July 1 - September 20 for non-motorized boats only.