Trails
Experience the refuge from different perspectives and wander through different habitats by exploring our 10+ miles of hiking trails.
While visiting, please remember these rules and pointers:
- Seasonal wildlife closures may be marked by signs.
- Visitors walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding:
- These activities are allowed on designated trails only.
- Groups of more than 10 require a Special Use Permit.
- Dogs must be on a physical leash (6 feet or less) at all times. Pet waste must be removed.
- See specific trail information below to learn whether hiking is allowed off trail near a specific trail.
- During the summer, conditions can be very hot with limited shade opportunities.
- Preparing for your hike:
- No potable water is available on the trails. Bring water or bring a reusable bottle to fill at the filling station inside the visitor center during open hours.
- Wear appropriate clothing - Weather can change quickly. Summer sun can be intense and there are limited shade opportunities along trails. Winter winds can make you feel even colder.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Wear insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
- Please pack out what you pack in. Trash receptacles are only available at a few access points. We ask that you practice Leave No Trace ethics while visiting the refuge.
Detailed information is available below about these refuge trails.
Trails near the Visitor Center
- Observation Hill Trail
- Centennial Trail (including Swallow Nest Trail across Upper Dam and Sagebrush Trail between Upper Dam and Visitor Center)
- Nature Trail
- Pollinator Trail
Trails in East Side Recreation Area
- Kingfisher Trail
- East Dike Trail
- Gotts Point Trail
Lollipop trail through sagebrush uplands to the top of a hill with a viewing platform and then along the forested edge of Lake Lowell. From the viewing platform, enjoy views of most of the Lake Lowell Unit of the Refuge, as well as the Treasure Valley and the Boise Front mountains to the north and northeast and the Owyhee mountains to the south. One bench along the trail and a bench on the adjacent viewing platform provide opportunities to rest and enjoy the view.
-Open year round. Off-trail hiking is allowed August 1 to January 31. To protect nesting birds, please stay on trail the rest of the year.
-Trail access from the east at the visitor center and from the north at the parking lot at Indiana and Roosevelt Avenues.
-Access from the Visitor Center. Trail conditions as assessed May 2023
-Length = 3.1 mile
-Grade: Typical = 2.9%; Maximum = 16%; 4,400 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.9%; Maximum = 7.9%; 2,250 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 3.8 feet; Minimum = 1.25 feet
-Surface type: Soft dirt or gravel with some plants
-Access from the parking lot at Indiana and Roosevelt Avenues. Trail conditions as assessed May 2023
-Length = 3.5 mile lollipop
-Grade: Typical = 3.1%; Maximum = 16%; 6,250 feet of trail greater than 3%
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.9%; Maximum = 7.9%; 3,000 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 3.6 feet; Minimum = 1.25 feet
-Surface type: Soft dirt or gravel with some plants
-Open year round. Off-trail hiking is allowed August 1 to January 31. To protect nesting birds, please stay on trail the rest of the year.
-Trail access from the east at the visitor center and from the north at the parking lot at Indiana and Roosevelt Avenues.
-Access from the Visitor Center. Trail conditions as assessed May 2023
-Length = 3.1 mile
-Grade: Typical = 2.9%; Maximum = 16%; 4,400 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.9%; Maximum = 7.9%; 2,250 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 3.8 feet; Minimum = 1.25 feet
-Surface type: Soft dirt or gravel with some plants
-Access from the parking lot at Indiana and Roosevelt Avenues. Trail conditions as assessed May 2023
-Length = 3.5 mile lollipop
-Grade: Typical = 3.1%; Maximum = 16%; 6,250 feet of trail greater than 3%
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.9%; Maximum = 7.9%; 3,000 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 3.6 feet; Minimum = 1.25 feet
-Surface type: Soft dirt or gravel with some plants
Trail Length (mi)
3.43
Trail Difficulty
Moderate
Estimated Time
1.5 hours
Route Type
Lollipop
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Learn about refuge and reservoir history on the paved out and back Centennial Trail. The Sagebrush section of the trail connects the visitor center to the west Upper Dam boat ramp. It includes a spur trail to a wildlife viewing blind and winds through sagebrush uplands to a viewing platform (temporarily closed) that overlooks a wetland, with distant views of the Boise Front mountains to the northeast and the Owyhee mountains to the south. The Swallow Nest section of the trail connects the west Upper Dam boat ramp to the east Upper Dam boat ramp as it crosses the historic Upper Dam, one of four dams that enclose Lake Lowell. Area below the dam is closed to entry.
-Open year round.
- Off-trail hiking allowed August 1 to January 31. To protect nesting birds, please stay on trails the rest of the year. Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information Sagebrush Trail section of trail (trail conditions assessed April 2023)
-Length = 0.4 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 2.7%; Maximum = 7%; 700 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.6%; Maximum = 2.5%
-Tread width: Typical = 4 feet; Minimum = 3.8 feet
-Surface type: Paved. Concrete.
Accessibility information Swallow Nest section of trail (trail conditions assessed April 2023)
-Length = 0.7 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 0%; Maximum = 0%
-Cross slope: Typical = 0.8%; Maximum = 2.2%
-Tread width: Typical = 13.9 feet; Minimum = 2.7 feet
-Surface type: Paved. Asphalt with some cracks and loose pieces.
-Open year round.
- Off-trail hiking allowed August 1 to January 31. To protect nesting birds, please stay on trails the rest of the year. Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information Sagebrush Trail section of trail (trail conditions assessed April 2023)
-Length = 0.4 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 2.7%; Maximum = 7%; 700 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.6%; Maximum = 2.5%
-Tread width: Typical = 4 feet; Minimum = 3.8 feet
-Surface type: Paved. Concrete.
Accessibility information Swallow Nest section of trail (trail conditions assessed April 2023)
-Length = 0.7 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 0%; Maximum = 0%
-Cross slope: Typical = 0.8%; Maximum = 2.2%
-Tread width: Typical = 13.9 feet; Minimum = 2.7 feet
-Surface type: Paved. Asphalt with some cracks and loose pieces.
Trail Length (mi)
1.15
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Time
1 hour
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
A self-guided loop around the visitor center. Hike through restored sagebrush uplands and past the lakeshore lined with cottonwoods. Trail guides available at the trailhead or in the visitor center during open hours. One bench along the trail provides an opportunity to rest and enjoy a lake view.
-Part of the trail may be closed from March 15 to August 1 to reduce disturbance to osprey nesting on the nearby nesting platform.
- Off-trail hiking allowed August 1 to January 31. To protect nesting birds, please stay on trails the rest of the year.
-Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed April 2023)
-Length = 0.6 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 3.1%; Maximum = 10%; 1,095 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.5%; Maximum = 3.4%; 240 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 3.8 feet; Minimum = 2.3 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Gravel with some plants.
-Part of the trail may be closed from March 15 to August 1 to reduce disturbance to osprey nesting on the nearby nesting platform.
- Off-trail hiking allowed August 1 to January 31. To protect nesting birds, please stay on trails the rest of the year.
-Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed April 2023)
-Length = 0.6 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 3.1%; Maximum = 10%; 1,095 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.5%; Maximum = 3.4%; 240 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 3.8 feet; Minimum = 2.3 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Gravel with some plants.
Trail Length (mi)
0.84
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Time
30 Minutes
Route Type
Loop
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
The Pollinator Trail is a short, out and back trail between the visitor center and Nature Trail.
-Open year round.
- Off-trail hiking allowed August 1 to January 31. To protect nesting birds, please stay on trails the rest of the year.
-Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed April 2023)
-Length = 0.1 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 4.4%; Maximum = 7%; 375 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 2.1%; Maximum = 3.7%; 160 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 2.4 feet; Minimum = 1.2 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Gravel with some plants.
-Open year round.
- Off-trail hiking allowed August 1 to January 31. To protect nesting birds, please stay on trails the rest of the year.
-Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed April 2023)
-Length = 0.1 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 4.4%; Maximum = 7%; 375 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 2.1%; Maximum = 3.7%; 160 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 2.4 feet; Minimum = 1.2 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Gravel with some plants.
Trail Length (mi)
0.09
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Time
5 minutes
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
This out-and-back trail winds along the lake and forested edge through sagebrush uplands. Great birding opportunities, especially on the east end of the trail accessed from Tio Lane. Provides shoreline fishing access.
-Access from Gotts Point or from Tio Lane access points
-Open year round.
-Off-trail hiking is allowed all year. Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed March 2023)
-Length = 3.8 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 1%; Maximum = 8%; 1,200 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.5%; Maximum = 4.5%; 1,424 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 6.9 feet; Minimum = 2.5 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Gravel with some plants. Two-track road.
-Access from Gotts Point or from Tio Lane access points
-Open year round.
-Off-trail hiking is allowed all year. Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed March 2023)
-Length = 3.8 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 1%; Maximum = 8%; 1,200 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.5%; Maximum = 4.5%; 1,424 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 6.9 feet; Minimum = 2.5 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Gravel with some plants. Two-track road.
Trail Length (mi)
3.75
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Time
3.5 hours
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
The East Dike Trail is an out and back trail with great birding opportunities that travels along wetland and forest areas to the New York Canal, the source of most of the water in Lake Lowell. The north-south section of the trail is on the East Dike, one of four dams that enclose Lake Lowell.
-Open year round.
-Off-trail hiking is allowed all year. Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed March 2023)
-Length = 0.7 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 0.5%; Maximum = 1%
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.5%; Maximum = 5.7%; 270 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 5.1 feet; Minimum = 3.25 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Dirt with some plants. Two-track road.
-Open year round.
-Off-trail hiking is allowed all year. Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed March 2023)
-Length = 0.7 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 0.5%; Maximum = 1%
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.5%; Maximum = 5.7%; 270 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 5.1 feet; Minimum = 3.25 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Dirt with some plants. Two-track road.
Trail Length (mi)
0.72
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Time
1 hour
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
This out and back trail to Gotts Point winds between lakeshore and sagebrush uplands to a gate just north of Gotts Point. Provides shoreline fishing access and great sunset views. Vault toilet available at Gotts Point.
- To protect wintering birds, area is closed to all entry from October 1 to January 31. Off-trail hiking is allowed the rest of the year. Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed March 2023)
-Length = 0.5 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 2.1%; Maximum = 8%; 475 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.5%; Maximum = 4.8%; 300 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 7 feet; Minimum = 3 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Gravel with some plants. Two-track road.
- To protect wintering birds, area is closed to all entry from October 1 to January 31. Off-trail hiking is allowed the rest of the year. Walking leashed dogs, jogging, biking, and horseback riding are allowed only on trail.
Accessibility information (trail conditions assessed March 2023)
-Length = 0.5 mile one way
-Grade: Typical = 2.1%; Maximum = 8%; 475 feet of trail greater than 3% grade
-Cross slope: Typical = 1.5%; Maximum = 4.8%; 300 feet of trail greater than 3% cross-slope
-Tread width: Typical = 7 feet; Minimum = 3 feet
-Surface type: Soft. Gravel with some plants. Two-track road.
Trail Length (mi)
0.74
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Time
45 minutes
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly