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Driving Directions
To reach the refuge office and Walcott State Park, take Route 24 northeast from Rupert, Idaho; there are some tricky turns in Rupert so watch the signs carefully. About 5.5 miles from Rupert, turn right on the Minidoka Dam road and follow it to the refuge.
From Interstate 86: Take exit 15, Raft River, and follow Old Highway 30 to 400 E, turn right and continue to 300 N, turn right and follow to Refuge Headquarters.
Fees
The Minidoka NWR does not require a fee to visit the refuge public use areas. Lake Walcott State park does have daily fees as well as camping fees.
Restrooms
The headquarters and visitor contact station has a bathroom. There are also pit toilets located in certain public use areas such as Gifford Springs Boat Ramp and Smith Springs Boat Ramp.
Best Times to View Wildlife
The best times to visit Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, or any refuge, are either at sunrise or sunset. As the animals are just waking up are heading to bed so they are more noticeable.
Fishing
The refuge has some great fishing opportunities by boat and by land. There are several boat ramps located throughout the refuge such as Lake Walcott state park, Gifford Springs, and Smith Springs just to name a few.
Things to Do:
If you have 15-minutes
Visitors are welcome at Minidoka NWR year round. However, public uses may be limited at times in certain places to protect wildlife.
The refuge provides good opportunities to view wildlife. Vehicle travel is limited, but access roads provide vantage points over the reservoir. Some are suitable only for high clearance vehicles. Four-wheel drive is necessary on unimproved roads during wet/snowy weather.
Look for a variety of songbirds in Lake Walcott State Park and at the Tule Island access near the Cold Water Interchange. The spillway area below the dam and the Snake River are good viewing areas. A bird checklist is available at refuge headquarters or on the internet.
If you have one hour
Lake Walcott State Park offers approximately 5 miles of paved trails and roads to hike and observe birds and other wildlife. A 1.2 mile "natural" trail begins behind the interpretive kiosk at the east end of the boat ramps within the state park, the trail leads out along the shore of Lake Walcott. This trail provides benches for resting and enjoying nature as well as interpretive signs to learn about the local area and wildlife. Foot access is allowed anytime throughout the refuge.
If you have half a day or more
Lake Walcott State Park offers approximately 5 miles of paved trails and roads to hike and observe birds and other wildlife. A 1.2 mile "natural" trail begins behind the interpretive kiosk at the east end of the boat ramps within the state park, the trail leads out along the shore of Lake Walcott. This trail provides benches for resting and enjoying nature as well as interpretive signs to learn about the local area and wildlife. Foot access is allowed anytime throughout the refuge.
Activities
The refuge provides many opportunities to enjoy such as wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, and camping (only allowed in the State Park section). The refuge is open to day use only.
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Southeast Idaho NWR Complex. The Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex administers five units of the Refuge System: Bear Lake, Grays Lake, Camas, and Minidoka refuges, and Oxford Slough Waterfowl Production Area. The complex office is located in Chubbuck, Idaho, and can be reached at 208-237-6615.
Mailing Address: 4425 Burley Drive Suite A, Chubbuck, ID 83202
Rules and Policies
Fires and Fireworks
Open fires and fireworks are not allowed at any time. If you are responsible for starting a wildfire, you may be charged with fire-fighting costs and damages. Other restrictions may apply in Lake Walcott State Park.
Possession of Firearms and Weapons
Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with refuge hunting regulations, i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
Collecting Natural Objects
Collecting natural objects such as plants, animals, minerals, antlers, feathers and objects of antiquity (including Native American artifacts, such as arrowheads) is prohibited. It is unlawful to release any plant or animal on the refuge.
Off-Road Travel and Boating
Off road travel by vehicles, ATVs/UTVs and horses is prohibited and restricted to existing roads. Boating in areas closed to boating is prohibited, please consult refuge map or contact the refuge manager to identify areas closed to boating.
On-Refuge Use of Personal Property
Personal property, including boats and decoys, must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day.
Locations
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Snake River Plain in south-central Idaho, 12 miles northeast of Rupert. It includes 80 miles of shoreline around Lake Walcott, from Minidoka Dam upstream about 25 miles. The refuge headquarters is located in Lake Walcott State Park.
To reach the refuge office and Walcott State Park, take Route 24 northeast from Rupert, Idaho; there are some tricky turns in Rupert so watch the signs carefully. About 5.5 miles from Rupert, turn right on the Minidoka Dam road and follow it to the refuge.
From Interstate 86: Take exit 15, Raft River, and follow Old Highway 30 to 400 E, turn right and continue to 300 N, turn right and follow to Refuge Headquarters.