Facility Activities

There are many ways to enjoy your refuge! Visitors can enjoy more than 10 miles of trails on foot or by bicycle or horseback, find a diversity of birds and other wildlife to watch or photograph, fish from shore or a boat. hunt in select areas of the refuge, enjoy a family picnic, go swimming or participate in free educational programs about nature. For more information, please call 208-467-9278 or email deerflat@fws.gov. Be safe, have fun, and learn something new about your wild neighbors.

Birding

With over 250 bird species and 30 mammal species on the refuge, the patient observer or photographer has many excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities. To maximize your chance of seeing wildlife, plan when to visit, where to go, and how to see wildlife.

When to Visit

The...

Wildlife watching

While our refuge hosts over 250 bird species, there are also a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects to see. See Birding for wildlife watching tips.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed for pheasant, quail, partridge, mourning doves, ducks, coots, and deer on the Lake Lowell Unit. On the Snake River Islands Unit, hunting is also allowed for other upland game and geese. Contact Idaho Department of Fish and Game for current hunting regulations and see...

Fishing

Fishing season on the Lake Lowell Unit is year-round, with seasonal access restrictions. Available species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Refuge islands on the Snake River Islands Unit are accessible only by boat and are closed February 1-May 31. Contact...

Ice fishing

Although ice conditions are not always safe for ice fishing, ice fishing is allowed. Use caution as some areas of the lake are usually ice-free all season. Contact Idaho Department of Fish and Game for current hunting regulations and see Rules and Regulations for refuge-specific...

Education programs

National Wildlife Refuges serve many purposes, and one of our most important roles is as outdoor classrooms to teach about wildlife and natural resources. Is your school, youth, environmental or other group interested in learning more about local wildlife, plants, habitats, and ecology? ...

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.
Boating - non-motorized

Non-motorized boating is allowed on all of Lake Lowell from April 15 to September 30. Human-powered boats are allowed 200 yards in front of the Upper and Lower Dams between October 1 and April 14; the rest of the lake is set aside for migrating and wintering wildlife. See Rules and Regulations...

Boating - motorized

Motorized boating is allowed on all of Lake Lowell from April 15 to September 30. The rest of the year, the lake is set aside for migrating and wintering wildlife. See Rules and Regulations for other boating regulations. Boat ramps are subject to closure due to low water levels.

Hiking

See Trails for more information about our refuge trails. For all trails, wildlife closures may be marked by signs. 

Accessible trails

The Centennial Trail is accessible from the Visitor Center end of the trail. See Trails for more information.  

Cultural heritage

For information about the history of the refuge, visit the Visitor Center or hike the Centennial trail. See Trails for more information.  

Dog walking

Is Fido begging you for a walk? Bring him/her along on your refuge visit to enjoy the sights, sounds - and of course smells - of nature!! Dogs are allowed on designated trails. Dogs must be on a leash 6 feet long or less. Pet waste must be bagged and removed....

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.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails of a limited number of refuges. Riders must follow refuge rules and regulations for this activity. See individual refuge websites for details.
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.
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.
Earthcaching
While traditional geocaching (the burial or removal of "treasure") is generally not permitted at national wildlife refuges because it disturbs wildlife habitat, virtual geocaching may be allowed. In this variant, GPS coordinates lead to points of interest, such as cultural sites or exhibits, that participants can check off on a list.
Picnicking

Visitors are welcome to enjoy a picnic at the visitor center, the Lower Dam Recreation Area, and the boat ramp at the east end of the Upper Dam. Please remember to bring your litter home with you. 

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.
Cross-country skiing
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 lend gear or rent it at low cost.
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.