Facility Activities

The refuge has many activities for visitors to enjoy.  To learn more about what is available, pick up a refuge brochure (these are available in the parking lot at the headquarters site or by request).

If you have 15-minutes.

For shorter visits, a drive around the auto-tour route, approximately 3.5 miles, offers a quick view our some of the wetland habitat and the wildlife associated with these areas.

If you have one hour.

If you only have one hour, a drive around the long loop of the auto-tour route, approximately 7 miles long, will offer more opportunities to see additional ponds and a larger variety of wildlife. It offers a representative view of the refuge, wildlife, and habitats. Interpretive signs along the route provide information on various types of wildlife and habitat that can be seen along the way.

General Services: Be Prepared

Be advised that no general services are available in Hamer.  The nearest gas stations are Roberts, 20 miles south of Refuge on I15 and Dubios 17 miles north.  Dubois has food and lodging available and Roberts offers a couple of restaurants.  The cities closest that have the most accommodations are Idaho Falls and Rexburg.  The Caribou-Targhee National Forest, 40 miles to the north offers campground facilities.  The Bureau of Land Management also has existing camping facilities in the area.

Hunting

Hunting regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting is permitted in accordance with the Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal...

Auto tour
Auto tour routes offer a great all-season way to see wildlife and habitats from the comfort of your car. By using your car as a viewing blind, you can often see more wildlife than you can see on foot.
Biking
Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. Biking may be permitted at sites where it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, if it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose and the refuge manager determines it to be a compatible use.
Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Hiking

 

Visitors may hike on roads year-round. Hiking is also permitted off roads anytime EXCEPT March 1-July 15.

The accessible walking trail is open all year, however be aware the trail is not maintained during the winter months.

Cross-country skiing

Visitors are welcome to snowshoe or cross-country ski in the refuge. Use areas and dates are the same as those for hiking (see above).

Dog walking
Many sites do not allow dogs because they can disturb wildlife. Refuges that do allow dogs generally require that they be leashed. Some sites allow hunters and sledders to bring dogs.
Firewood cutting

By permit only

Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Running
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Snowshoeing
Many refuges in the country's northern tier have backcountry trails that can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in season. Some refuges loan out gear or rent it at low cost.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.