Anderson Butte National Recreation Trail

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National Park Overview
Bear Lake Refuge lies in the mountain-ringed Bear Lake Valley in southeastern Idaho, north of the deep body of water that is the namesake of both the valley and the refuge. The refuge encompasses approximately 18,000 acres of the Dingle Swamp - mosaic of bulrush cattail marsh, open water and flooded meadows.

Portions of the refuge include scattered grasslands and brush-covered slopes. The habitats on the refuge are managed primarily for waterfowl and water bird production. The refuges White-Faced Ibis colony of 5,000 birds is one of the largest in the West.

Trumpeter swans are beginning to nest and use the refuge in May, Canada geese hatch by the hundreds, ducks and cranes follow shortly thereafter. All can be viewed throughout the refuge. The refuge also includes the 1,015-acre Thomas Fork Unit - the Wyoming border and Oxford Slough Waterfowl Production Area - Oxford, Idaho.

Nature of the Area
Surrounded by mountains, the refuge lies in the Bear Lake Valley at elevations ranging ranging from 5,925 feet on the marsh to 6,800 feet on the rocky slopes of Merkley Mountain. The 18,000-acre refuge is comprised mainly of a bulrush marsh, open water and flooded meadows of sedges, rushes and grasses. Portions of the refuge include scattered grasslands and brush-covered mountain slopes. Bear Lake Refuge encompasses what is locally referred to as Dingle Swamp or Dingle Marsh. Along with Bear Lake proper, the marsh was once part of a larger prehistoric lake that filled the valley. As it drained and receded, Dingle Marsh was reduced from 25,000 acres to less than 17,000 before it became part of the refuge.

The interspersion of bulrush, open water and uplands provides ideal habitat for numerous waterfowl species. Common nesting species include the Canada goose, redhead, canvasback, mallard, gadwall, cinnamon teal and northern shoveler. In a typical breeding season, the refuge will produce 4,500 ducks and 1,800 geese. Trumpeter swans are also beginning to nest on the refuge.

The refuge provides valuable habitat for 12 species that nest in colonies in bulrush. These include the white-faced ibis, snowy egret, black-crowned night heron, great blue heron, double-crested cormorant, California gull, Franklins gull, Caspian tern, Forsters tern, black tern, western grebe and eared grebe. Sandhill cranes are frequently observed on the refuge. The refuges shallow water and mudflat areas provide habitat for willets -vocets and stilts. Elusive rails are also present along with that master of camouflage, the bittern. The refuge supports a rich variety of other migratory birds such as hawks, owls and many species of songbirds. Hundreds of mule deer winter along Merkley Mountain and one or two moose are present during most seasons in refuge willows. Smaller mammals often seen are muskrats, skunks and cottontail rabbits. Residents less frequently seen vary from small meadow voles to beavers, coyotes, badgers, mink and weasels.

Fishing and Hunting
Fishing

Fishing opportunities are available in the north portion of the Outlet Canal and immediately north of the Lifton Pumping Station. However, fishing is more popular in the nearby mountain streams and adjacent Bear Lake.

Hunting

Hunting for ducks, geese, coots, mergansers, snipe, gray partridge, sage grouse and cottontails (including pygmy rabbits) is permitted in designated areas according to State regulations. All hunters must carry a valid State hunting license and all required State and Federal stamps, validations and permits. Approved nontoxic shot is required.

More Info

The office is in Montpelier, Idaho. To get there, travel east on Webster Street, off Route 30.

Turn south off Route 89 onto a gravel road approximately half way between Montpelier and Ovid. This turnoff is marked. Continue south for about 5 miles until you reach the refuge boundary.