Facility Activities

Activities available at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge include wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation, hunting and fishing. Visit the Wildlife Education Center to learn about the birds and habitat of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.

What can I do if I have...
1/2 hour:
  • Explore the Exhibit Hall, or
  • Watch the Refuge film “Wings of Thunder," or
  • Visit the Avocet Corner Nature Store, or 
  • Take a walk on the Refuge’s Wetland Wonders nature trail, ½ mile, outside of the Visitor Center.
1 hour:
  • Take a walk on the Refuge’s Bulrush Bridge nature trail, ¾ mile, outside of the Visitor Center, or
  • Play, discover, and learn in the Outdoor Classroom and Nature play area, or
  • Earn a Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Junior Botany or Junior Ornithology pin.
1-2 hours:
  • Take a walk on the Refuge’s Marsh Meander nature trail, 1 ½ miles, outside of the Visitor Center, or
  • Play, discover, and learn in the Outdoor Classroom and Nature play area, or
  • Earn a Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Junior Ranger badge, or
  • Complete the 36-mile round trip to the Auto Tour Route.
All the time in the world...
  • All of the above, plus
  • Participate in all-day recreational activities including wildlife photography, cycling, fishing, and seasonal hunting. 
Education programs

Teachers and educators can find many options for their students and classes at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. 

Lessons in a Trunk

Interested in premade lessons for your class? Check out one of our trunks. They are on a first-come, first-served basis, and check outs...

Accessible trails

A network of trails at the Wildlife Education Center offers 3 different paths to choose. Just under 1 mile of paved trails and just over 1/2 mile of gravel. Choose your style and enjoy the outdoors. Just remember you will have to take the trails back to the parking lot before or after...

Auto tour

The Auto Tour Route is open sunrise to sunset. This leisurely 12 mile drive takes you out onto the Bear River Delta. The end of the Bear River is the beginning of the Auto Tour Route.  The Auto Tour Route is a gravel road, which can be bumpy especially in winter, but buses, 2 wheel drives,...

Birding
Spring / Migration

In the spring, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is active with life as birds fly back from the south.  There is a continuous flow of different species in and out of the Refuge.  Each day offers something new.  Birds are in their bright and colorful breeding...

Fishing

Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Available species include catfish and carp on specified areas of the Bear River channel. Main fish caught are catfish and carp.

Hunting

The wetlands around the Great Salt Lake offer some of the best waterfowl hunting in the West. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge protects over 77,000 acres of open water, marsh, and mud flats on a northern inlet of the Great Salt Lake. Areas of the Refuge are designated as open for waterfowl and...

Wildlife watching

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a world class birding destination. Over 250 species use the Refuge for various lifecycle needs.

Photography

From stunning sunrises and sunsets to thousands of birds, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge provides a rich canvas, which nature paints daily. Grab your cameras and explore the magnificent beauty that awaits you. You may use the photography blind on the trails or use your car as a blind while on...

Painting and drawing

From stunning sunrises and sunsets to thousands of birds, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge provides a rich canvas, which nature paints daily.  Grab your easel, paints, pencil and sketch pad, or any of your art supplies, come and immerses yourself in nature's warm embrace or it's vibrant...

Biking

Biking is allowed on all public road ways, including the Auto Tour Route.  Take a short ride or a long ride.  On West Forest Street from the Wildlife Education Center to the beginning of the Auto Tour Route, is 12 miles.  The Auto Tour Route is 12 miles around.  If you do it...

Running
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Dog walking
Many sites do not allow dogs because they can disturb wildlife. Refuges that do allow dogs generally require that they be leashed. Some sites allow hunters and sledders to bring dogs.
Earthcaching
While traditional geocaching (the burial or removal of "treasure") is generally not permitted at national wildlife refuges because it disturbs wildlife habitat, virtual geocaching may be allowed. In this variant, GPS coordinates lead to points of interest, such as cultural sites or exhibits, that participants can check off on a list.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.