Recreation
The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is part of a national
system of lands managed primarily for wildlife. The Refuge can be
accessed from the International
Selkirk Loop.
The following recreational activities are permitted: fishing,
hunting, photography, wildlife
observation, camping, hiking,
horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing,
environmental education and interpretation.
Birding allows visitors to explore the Refuge in search of the two
hundred and six bird species that have been recorded here. See
checklist. We prepared a spring and summer Birding
Hotspots brochure and a map
to go with it. Bald eagles nest at Bayley Lake and use the Little
Pend Oreille River during the winter months. Forest passerine birds
are plentiful and include a mixture of eastern and western species.
Cavity-dependent birds, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees
are abundant. Lakes and marshes provide spring stop over points
for migratory waterfowl. Nesting waterfowl include Canada geese,
mallards, red-necked grebes, common goldeneyes, wood ducks and common
and hooded mergansers. Species of special interest occurring on
the refuge include: golden eagle, northern goshawk, flammulated
owl, Vaux swift, white-headed, pileated, Lewis, black-backed and
three-toed woodpeckers.
Camping is allowed in our six established
no fee campgrounds from April 14 – December 31. These campgrounds
have vault toilets and metal fire rings. Potable water is not available.
Hunting is a popular activity on the
Refuge, especially for grouse, turkey, and white-tailed deer.
Fishing is also a popular activity. We
have two fly-fishing only lakes that are mainly catch and release.
Potter’s Pond is a general fishing water with a wheelchair accessible
fishing dock. A nearby restroom is also wheelchair accessible. The
Little Pend Oreille River, its tributary streams and scattered beaver
ponds are also open to fishing.
With 206 bird and 58 mammal species, there are many opportunities for viewing
and photographing wildlife. Wildlife lists are available at Refuge Headquarters
and the kiosk at Headquarters.
Biking and horseback riding are permitted on established roads. Snowmobiles are
only permitted on Olson Creek Road.
See our public use brochure for
more information.
