Nestled beside the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, this 2,774 acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife including moose, elk, deer, bear, otter, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl such as mallards, northern pintail, and teal. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in Idaho’s panhandle approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border and five miles west of Bonners Ferry.
Things To Know
- The primary entrance to the Refuge is accessed via Hwy 95 in Bonners Ferry. From Hwy 95, head west on Riverside Rd. for about 6 miles, following the dike along the Kootenai River. After crossing over Deep Creek, you will see a welcome sign as you enter the Refuge property. You may continue on to headquarters by following Riverside Rd. another 2 miles, turn slightly right onto Westside Rd. and headquarters is 1/4 mile on the right.
- The refuge offers all of the Big Six wildlife-dependent public uses which include hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education, and interpretation.
- 220 species of birds can be seen on the refuge with waterfowl migration in the spring and fall peaking at 40,000 birds. The Idaho Birding Trail has mapped out the best viewing locations here
- The refuge has a 4.5 mile auto tour route and four hiking trails. No fees are charged to the public.
- Check out Myrtle Falls Story Trail, with changing stories throughout the year. Find the trail with this map:
- Friends of the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge host tours and special events throughout the year. See what's coming up here
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