Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

This National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is surrounded by BLM land. It extends for 25 miles along the Snake River from Minidoka Dam and includes all of Lake Walcott. The reservoir has several islands and marshy areas. The topography is primarily low, rolling hills and lava rock ledges up to 30 feet high along the shore. Migratory waterfowl are the most prominent wildlife on the refuge, an important stopover point in the Pacific Flyway. Flocks of over 500 tundra swans, along with 27 other waterfowl species have been recorded. The refuge has Idaho's only nesting white pelicans, with over 40 pairs. Many songbirds and raptors nest or migrate through the refuge, which also hosts a wide variety of mammals including mule deer, beaver, muskrat, coyote, and Nutall's cottontail. Pronghorn antelope are present in small numbers.

Location: From Rupert, drive six miles northeast on Idaho 24. Proceed through Acequia, then turn east for six miles on County Road 400 N. to the refuge headquarters located on the north side of the Minidoka Dam. The restrooms, picnic area, and campground are in Walcott Park, which is administered by the Bureau of Reclamation. There are three south shore access points for vehicles. Sedans are not recommended for the northern access roads.