Mehraban Wetlands Park

Draper’s Mehraban Wetlands Park offers visitors up to a mile of walking opportunities on paved and gravel paths through a natural wetland environment. In addition to lush wetland vegetation the park also features two large ponds that are popular with fisherman and nature lovers alike. The entire trail is either paved or packed gravel and is suitable for children and adults of all abilities.

Trailhead

Mehraban Wetlands Park is located at 898 E. Riparian Drive in Draper, Utah. To reach the park from I-15:

1. Take Exit 292 for 11400 South.
2. Turn east onto 11400 South and continue 1.7 miles.
3. Turn right onto 1000 East and continue 0.5 miles.
4. Turn right onto Riparian Dr., and continue 0.2 miles to the parking area on the left (40.536410, -111.866495).

The Route

From the parking area, begin hiking on the paved path heading into the wetlands. The path circles around the south end of the park before arriving at a junction. To the left is a trail that accesses two small ponds while continuing straight leads to the north end of the park on Willow Wood Dr.

Turn left at the junction and continue walking to the first of two ponds in the park. A gravel path follows the perimeter of the first pond. Several park benches and a dock are available. Just beyond the first pond, cross a wooden bridge before arriving at the larger of the two ponds known as Sunset Pond where another dock and park benches offer visitors a place to sit and take in the scenery.

Return the way you came. Total hiking distance is variable depending on the route you choose, but it is easy to walk up to 1 mile by following the various trails throughout the park.

Rules and Regulations

• Dogs allowed on leash.
• Clean up after pets.
• No littering.
• No smoking or open flames.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Park closes at 10 p.m. daily.

Stokes Nature Center

Discover a piece of natural history or take in the beauty of the surrounding area at Stokes Nature Center. You can make friends with live reptiles and amphibians, learn amazing things about rocks and fossils, and enjoy the native plants and animals along the Logan River. You are never too old or too young to explore nature.
2696 East U.S.Hwy. 89, 1 mile up Logan Canyon
(435) 755-3239
Call for days and hours of operation.

April through October: Wed- Sat, 10:00am to 4:00pm

November through March: Wed- Fri, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Stokes Nature Center strives to have the interpretive center open to the public during all of our regular hours of operation.  However, school and community programs sometimes take our small staff offsite for programs.  Calling ahead can help ensure you are greeted by a staff member or docent during your visit.

Call the center at 435-755-3239

Parking & Trail Access

Access to Stokes Nature Center is located approximately 1 mile into Logan Canyon when accessed from Logan along US Hwy 89.  Parking is available on the north side of Hwy 89 by the wooden Cache National Forest sign, or just east of this area along the south side of Hwy 89.  There are a limited number of parking spots directly at the entrance to the River Trail, adjacent to the metal gate.  Vehicles should not block the gated entrance, which is for staff and handicap visitor access.

The River Trail is a popular recreational trailway enjoyed by numerous hikers, mountain bikers, families and pet owners.  Winter months see regular use by cross-country skiers and snow bikes.  The 1/3 mile stretch of trail between the highway access and the Stokes Interpretive Center is a narrow one-way track with frequent pedestrian encounters.  We ask that vehicle access is restricted to SNC staff and visitors needing handicap accessibility.  The trail can become heavily sheeted with ice during winter months, making vehicle access unsafe.  If you have questions about accessing the interpretive center, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Schedule a Group Visit

 Large family groups, Girl or Boy Scout troupes, youth organizations or other large groups are encouraged to schedule a free visit and tour of the interpretive center with one of our environmental education staff members.  We will be happy to show you around the center, introduce you to our native critters, and tell you a little about the flora and fauna of Logan Canyon.

Call us in advance to ensure a knowledgeable staff member is ready to greet you and make your visit a memorable one.  Contact us at 435-755-3239 or nature[at]logannature.org.

 

 

Willow Park Zoo

Willow Park has one of the greatest waterfowl collections in the region, showcasing more than 100 species. The setting offers walkways among shady willow trees and children can feed the ducks, geese, and trout. See lemurs, red fox, coyotes, elk, bald eagles, deer, bobcats, and more. Picnic and playground areas are adjacent to the zoo.

419 West 700 South, Logan
(435) 716-9625

The zoo is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
The zoo is closed on Sundays.

Adults
Ages 12+
$3.00
Children
Ages 3-11
$2.00
Children
Under 3
FREE

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (Brigham City)

Just west of I-15

The wetlands of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge are a popular oasis for a birds migrating over the desert. It’s also a great stop for bird watchers and photographers and those who would like to learn more about the birds and insects that travel through here. There is a visitor center with a 20 minute movie and a half-mile accessible walking trail. You can check out a backpack with binoculars, guides, insect nets, etc. Tours are available during the summer. Reservations are recommended. Check to see when the best times are to see the most birds. There is a driving loop that takes up to
 1 1/2 hours to complete.