Idaho is in no shortage of places to view magnificent wildlife and stunning landscapes. Most people flock to the southeastern corner of the state to get their viewing experiences in at the famed Yellowstone National Park, since it’s the most obvious choice. However, there are a lot more places to choose from that hold an equal amount of beauty without the gigantic crowds. One of these places is the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge located at the very top of the panhandle, just 20 miles south of the Canadian border. Here, the refuge is home to numerous kinds of wildlife and it is by far one of the most majestic places in the state. Take a look:
Located at the bottom of the Selkirk Mountains and just a few miles outside of Bonners Ferry is the 2,774-acre refuge that consists of a variety of habitats which are home to numerous types of animal species.
The beauty of Kootenai Wildlife Refuge is incredible all year long. The diversity in landscape is amazing, with the refuge consisting of wetlands, forest, meadows, and fields. You could spend days exploring it and not get sick of the breathtaking scenery.
This place looks like something straight out of a nature magazine. As you venture through the wetlands you'll come across rushing creeks, open-water ponds, waterfalls, and marshes. The western half of the refuge delves into dense forest as you ascend the foothills at the bottom of the Selkirk mountain range.
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The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, elk, moose, bears, otters, eagles, and numerous types of waterfowl. You're sure to see some of these amazing animals in their habitat when you visit!
The refuge was originally established in 1964 as a migratory waterfowl refuge. The region provides a habitat for thousands of waterfowl during their seasonal migration.
The refuge lists wildlife photography as a top priority, with the rapidly growing activity currently drawing thousands of new visitors to refuges all over the country. The Kootenai Wildlife Refuge welcomes photographers to come and experience the region's beauty, and even provides viewing areas, tour routes, platforms, and interpreters.
Whether you visit during spring, summer, fall, or winter, you'll will be amazed at how much there is to see. With a place like this so easily accessible, you'll be reminded of how lucky we are to live in a state that is home to incredible areas like this!
An absolute "must-do" is the Auto Tour Road which is a 4.5 mile long road that will lead you through epic views of refuge's different habitats. The one-way road is open to visitors all year long, and is an easy way of taking in a huge portion of what the refuge has to offer.
The refuge also contains four trails that are great for hiking, jogging, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing. Pick the one that suits your needs best!
The Chickadee Trail is a flat and short trail that is ADA accessible and hosts a variety of interpretive signs. The Ole Humpback Trail is a steep, mile long trail that will take you through a forest environment and lead you to impressive vantage points of the Selkirks. Take your time and explore them all!
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A day trip to this remarkable area is a must for anybody in the area. It feels like time moves slower at this hidden oasis, and you can't help but automatically be at peace as you take in all of the natural beauty! Just don't forget your camera.
For more information on how to visit the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, visit their website here.
Have you been to Kootenai Wildlife Refuge? Did you know about this magical wildlife viewing spot? While you’re in North Idaho, check out this awesome Day Trip Of A Lifetime You Can Only Take In Idaho!
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