Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.
Driving Directions
Grays Lake Refuge is north of Soda Springs, off Highway 34. The turnoff is about 27 miles north of Soda Springs, and 21 miles from Freedom, Wyoming. The turnoff is signed. From the intersection it is about 3 miles north to the refuge office, visitor center, and overlook.
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available next to the visitor center and are open during the established visitation season.
Refuge Access
Visitors are welcome at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge. At times, however, large portions of the refuge are closed to public entry to minimize wildlife disturbance. Grays Lake is open from sunrise to sunset. No overnight parking is allowed on the refuge. Daily accessible self-serve indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Refuge Headquarters provide information about the refuge and its wildlife from May 1 – November 15.
Things to Do...
If you have 15-minutes.
The overlook above the Refuge Headquarters provides an expansive view of the Refuge.
If you have one hour.
Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged, but seasonal closures are enacted to protect nesting wildlife. Public wildlife observation and photography opportunities are restricted to designated public roads surrounding Grays Lake from April 1 – September 19 to minimize wildlife disturbance. Please stay out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals.
If you have half a day or more.
Hiking is allowed on the Bear Island trail and in the public hunting area to the north of Bear Island from September 20-March 31. Permission should be obtained from landowners before crossing private land to enter open portions of the refuge. Please leave all gates as you find them.
What to Bring on your Visit
Bring binoculars with you as wildlife are naturally wary of humans and better viewing opportunities can often be from a distance. Wildlife can be viewed from your vehicle along the county road that encircles the Refuge.
Tips for Visiting
Grays Lake is a considerable distance from most amenities and visitors should plan accordingly. The nearest fuel is in the communities of Soda Springs ID and Thayne WY.
Activities
Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Trails
Bear Island Trail
Open Season: September 20th – March 31st
Length: 2 miles
Surface: Improved Gravel Road
Difficulty: Moderate/Easy
Information: Idaho Scenic Birding Trail begins and ends at the gate of the Bear Island Right-of-Way.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Southeast Idaho NWR Complex. The Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex administers five units of the Refuge System: Bear Lake, Grays Lake, Camas, and Minidoka refuges, and Oxford Slough Waterfowl Production Area. The complex office is located in Chubbuck, Idaho, and can be reached at 208-237-6615.
Rules and Policies
Sporthunting is permitted on the refuge in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Hunters should consult the Idaho state hunting regulations. Approved non-toxic shot is required. Special refuge regulations may also apply, contact the manager for more information.
Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with refuge hunting regulations, i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
Other prohibitions on the refuge are off-road vehicles, and collecting of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts.
There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. Be safe and have fun!
Locations
Grays Lake Refuge is north of Soda Springs, off Highway 34. The turnoff is about 27 miles north of Soda Springs, and 21 miles from Freedom, Wyoming. The turnoff is signed. From the intersection it is about 3 miles north to the refuge office, visitor center, and overlook.