Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife Viewing & Birding in Rupert

Activities

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Region

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located on the Snake River Plain, 12 miles northeast of Rupert, encompassing a total of 24,514 acres, of which approximately 11,100 acres are the open waters of Lake Walcott from Minidoka Dam to Cold Water, 25 miles upstream. The remaining acres of upland are classified as sagebrush-steppe. Minidoka NWR attracts migrating and nesting waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds as well as pronghorn, mule deer, porcupine, raccoon and mink. Keep a close eye out for more rare wildlife on the refuge including elk, moose, otter, bobcat, mountain lion and the St. Anthony Dune Tiger Beetle. Stop by our visitor center to find brochures about the refuge, watchable wildlife, and hunting and fishing regulations.

Resources

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Pronghorn at sunrise. Photo credit: Minidoka NWR

Porcupine at Minidoka NWR visitor center. Photo credit: Minidoka NWR

Northern lights at Lake Walcott. Photo credit: Minidoka NWR

Sunrise at Lake Walcott. Photo credit: Minidoka NWR

American white pelicans. Photo credit: Minidoka NWR

Things to Know

- Over 230 species of birds can be seen on the refuge. From July – September, we can have over 100,000 molting ducks and geese.
- Portions of the refuge are closed to public access during the nesting season to protect colonies from disturbance. Colony nesters on the refuge include western and Clark’s grebes, American white pelicans, and some species of herons, egrets and gulls.
- Bank fishing is permitted year-round in accordance with Idaho Regulations.
- Boating and fishing from a boat are permitted on some parts of the refuge during designated times of the year.
- Hiking on the refuge is allowed everywhere.
- No camping except for at Lake Walcott State Park.
- Open fires and fireworks are not allowed at any time.