Facility Activities

The refuge provides many opportunities to enjoy such as wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, and camping (only allowed in the State Park section). The refuge is open to day use only.

Hunting

The middle part of the Snake River that winds through southern Idaho is well known for excellent waterfowl hunting. Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge offers an opportunity on this part of the river, and refuge hunts often draw out-of-state hunters. The refuge, situated on Lake Walcott (a river...

Fishing

Refuge waters include Lake Walcott, the reservoir behind Minidoka Dam (11,000 acres, of which 4,000 acres are open to boat fishing at certain times); Snake River, in the spillway area below Minidoka Dam (60 acres); and in Smith Spring and Gifford Spring boat-fishing lanes (80 and 200 acres,...

Wildlife watching

Visitors are welcome at Minidoka NWR year round. However, public uses may be limited at times in certain places to protect wildlife.The refuge provides good opportunities to view wildlife. Vehicle travel is limited, but access roads provide vantage points over the reservoir. Some are suitable...

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

Lake Walcott State Park offers approximately 5 miles of paved trails and roads to hike and observe birds and other wildlife. A 1.2 mile "natural" trail begins behind the interpretive kiosk at the east end of the boat ramps within the state park, the trail leads out along the shore of Lake...

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 - motorized
Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Some refuges limit the use of motorboats to certain areas, subject to restrictions on engine size.
Camping
A relatively small number of Fish and Wildlife Service sites allow backpack camping or RV camping. For a list of federal lands that allow camping, check recreation.gov.
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.
Boating - non-motorized
Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.
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.
Ranger-led programs
Rangers lead wildlife walks, tours and educational programs at many sites. Events may focus on wildflowers or birds or on seasonal spectacles, such as elk bugling or sea turtle nesting. Some programs may be limited in size or require advance registration. See individual websites for details.
Education programs
School program activities are available at a number of facilities.