Nestled beside the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, this 2,774 acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife. Despite its relatively small size a wide variety of habitat types can be found on the refuge which plays an important role in the large number of wildlife species that use the refuge during migration and breeding seasons. Over 300 species of wildlife - 22 species of fish, 7 species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, 45 species of mammals, and over 223 species of birds have been observed on the refuge.
View of the administrative office of Kootenai NWR
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Seeks Public Comment on Compatibility Determinations

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is seeking public review and comment on its Draft Compatibility Determinations for bicycling, research, scientific collection, surveys, environmental education and interpretation, wildlife observation and photography, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. We propose to continue allowing these existing uses on the Refuge. Under USFWS policy, compatibility determinations for existing uses on National Wildlife Refuges must be periodically reviewed and updated. The Service will accept comments received or postmarked on or before Tuesday, November 17. 

For a full list of documents available for comment, please see this news release.

Visit Us

A slow drive or walk on Kootenai's auto tour route allows for many viewing opportunities.
Image Details

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether driving or hiking. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.

Location and Contact Information

      Trail Map Inaccuracies

      Please check with Refuge headquarters for trail information and do not rely on the trail map linked on this webpage. Some trails indicated on the map are in closed areas and may be a safety concern. Updates to the map are in progress. Please see the correct visitor use map with trails.

      About Us

      An oblique view from the Selkirk Mountains overlooking Kootenai.
      Image Details

      Nestled beside the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, this 2,774 acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife.  Wetlands, meadows, riparian riparian
      Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

      Learn more about riparian       and coniferous forests, and cultivated agricultural are interspersed throughout the refuge to provide a sanctuary, primarily for migrating waterfowl. Kootenai was established in 1964 "for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds."

      What We Do

      This oblique view of Kootenai shows the different wetland units managed for waterfowl.
      Image Details
      Over 20 wetland units are managed for migratory birds and other wildlife.

      To help plants and wildlife, refuge staff use a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, recover or enhance plant and wildlife values. Refuge staff carefully consider any management techniques and employ them in varying degrees according to the situation. 

      Our Species

      A beautiful male spotted towhee perched on red-osier dogwood branch.
      Image Details

      Despite its relatively small size of 2,774 acres, a wide variety of habitat types can be found on the refuge which plays an important role in the large number of wildlife species that use the refuge during migration and breeding seasons. Over 300 species of wildlife - 22 species of fish, 7 species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, 45 species of mammals, and over 223 species of birds have been observed on the refuge.