Features
Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes are seen here with redwing blackbird defending it's nest
Learn More
Marsh Habitat
Grays "Lake" is actually a large, shallow marsh, covered primarily with bulrush and cattail.
Winter landscape
At 6400 ft elevation, winters can be harsh at Grays Lake
Bull moose
This young bull moose is at home in both the uplands and marshes of Grays Lake
In recent years, trumpeter swans have reestablished as an important nesting species; Grays Lake is a great area to observe these rare birds.
About the Complex
The Southeast Idaho NWR Complex administers five units of the Refuge System: Camas, Grays Lake,Bear Lake,and Minidoka NWRs, and Oxford Slough WPA.
Grays Lake is managed as part of the Southeast Idaho NWR Complex.
Learn more about the complex About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Grays Lake is actually a high elevation bulrush marsh, located north of Soda Springs, Idaho, off Highway 34. The turnoff is about 27 miles north of Soda Springs, and 21 miles from Freedom, Wyoming. The turnoff is signed. From the intersection it is about 3 miles north to the refuge office, visitor center, and overlook. Please see the maps section for additional guidance.
Grays Lake is an important nesting and staging area for sandhill cranes. With over 200 pairs nesting here, the refuge hosts the largest nesting population of sandhill cranes in the world.
Learn more
Page Photo Credits — All photos courtesy of USFWS unless otherwise noted.
Last Updated: Sep 20, 2016