Recreation
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge currently offers all of the Big
Six wildlife-dependent public uses which include hunting, fishing,
wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation.
The 2,774 acre Refuge offers waterfowl, big game and upland bird
hunting; fishing; five walking/hiking tails; an Auto Tour Route;
and an Environmental Education Center. No Fees are charged to the
public.
Wildlife
Observation and Photography
Wildlife observation and photography are available from the five
trails, the Auto Tour Route, the gazebo overlooking Cascade Pond,
and overlooks along the county road. The kiosk at refuge headquarters
is equipped with two spotting scopes and offers good views of Greenwing
Pond, Snipe Pond, Waterline Pond, and Redhead Pond. During the hunting
season, wildlife viewing and photography is allowed in the waterfowl
hunting area on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Saturday, Sunday,
Tuesday and Thursday, only waterfowl hunting is permitted. Two hundred
thirty bird species and 45 mammals have been observed on the refuge.
See the refuge wildlife leaflet under the Wildlife and Habitat page
for a list of animals you might observe.
Auto Tour Road
This 4.5 mile long gravel road offers views of the Refuge’s wetland
and grassland habitats and Myrtle Creek. The one-way road has 3
pull-outs, and begins at the refuge office and exits on the county
road near the mouth of Deep Creek. The Auto Tour Road is open to
licensed vehicles, bicycles, and walkers/hikers during daylight
hours, year round, weather and road conditions permitting. The road
is not plowed in the winter and is open to cross-country skiing
and snowshoeing.
Vehicles and Parking
Vehicles may drive on county roads and the refuge Auto Tour Road.
Parking is only allowed in designated parking areas and vehicles
are not permitted off roads or on dike trails. Only vehicles registered
for highway use are permitted on the refuge.
Trails & Overlooks
There are five trails available for walking, jogging, snowshoeing,
and cross country skiing while observing wildlife and views of the
Refuge. Visitors should remain on designated trails, county roads,
and the Auto Tour Road. Pets must be kept on a short leash at all
times throughout the year. Bicycles are not allowed on any of the
foot trails. Some trails are open year round, while others are closed
periodically in the fall months during the waterfowl hunting season
for public safety.
- Open year round - Moose Overlook Photo blind, Myrtle Falls Trail,
Chickadee Trail, Forest Trails, Island Pond Overlook, and areas
west of Westside Road.
- Open except on waterfowl hunting days during the fall - Auto
Tour Road, Island Pond Trail,
and Deep Creek Trail.
Deep Creek Trail – a 2.2 mile (one way) level trail on top
of the Deep Creek Dike. This well maintained trail is largely forested
with cottonwood and other broadleaved trees.
Island Pond Trail – a level 1.5 mile loop around Island
Pond. This trail is closed on waterfowl hunt days during the waterfowl
hunting season.
Chickadee Trail – is a flat, 1,000 foot long ADA accessible
trail with benches and interpretive signs.
Forest Trail – this steep, one mile long trail winds it
way through forest habitat up to land owned by the U.S. Forest Service.
Short Loops offer vantage points of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain
Ranges.
Myrtle Creek Falls Trail – this steep ¼ mile long trail
takes visitors off Refuge property and onto U.S. Forest Service
land to an unimproved observation point of the 100 foot tall Myrtle
Creek Falls. The Refuge trail is fully accessible up to and including
the bridge over Myrtle Creek and becomes a primitive trail past
the bridge. The trail is not maintained past this point and should
be used only at your own risk.
Cascade Pond Overlook – Accessed from West side Rd, this
overlook offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife at close
range.
Persons with Disabilities
The Chickadee Trail, Moose Overlook Photo Blind, and Refuge Headquarters
are all wheelchair accessible. Visitors are also encouraged to drive
the Auto Tour Road.
Hunting and Fishing
Sport fishing and hunting of certain species are permitted in designated
areas during the state season. Waterfowl hunting is permitted only
on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Big game and upland
game hunting is permitted seven days a week. A separate information
brochure is available showing open areas and regulations.
Contact the Refuge Manager for more information on sport fishing
and hunting opportunities.
Weapons
Weapons are permitted in designated hunting areas during hunting seasons.
At other times, weapons may be transported through the refuge in vehicles
if they are unloaded and cased, or dismantled.
Pets
On January 1st, 2006, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge began enforcement
of a year round dog leash law. According to 50 CFR 26.21(b) - “No
unconfined domestic animals, including but not limited to dogs,...,
shall be permitted to enter upon any national wildlife refuge or
to roam at large upon such an area”.
Exception: Retrieving dogs, while not required, are highly encouraged
in order to reduce the number of lost birds during the hunt.
Prohibited activities
Sorry, but all activities not listed above are prohibited. Examples
include removal of animals or plants without special permits, camping,
fires, swimming, wading, horseback riding, fruit picking, and firewood
gathering.
Conveniences
Food, gasoline and motels are available in Bonners Ferry.
Additional Information
The U.S. Forest Service manages the nearby Panhandle National Forest.
Public campgrounds are available north of Bonners Ferry. A detailed
map may be purchased from: Highway 95 South, Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
