The Refuge offers two trails for hiking and reminds visitors to:
BE BEAR AWARE
Grizzly bears are present on all areas of the Refuge to include, but not limited to: forest, willows, sagebrush sagebrush
The western United States’ sagebrush country encompasses over 175 million acres of public and private lands. The sagebrush landscape provides many benefits to our rural economies and communities, and it serves as crucial habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including the iconic greater sage-grouse and over 350 other species.
Learn more about sagebrush -steppe, grasslands, wetlands, lakeshores, and creeks. The carrying of bear spray on your person where it is readily accessible is strongly recommended.
Hiking Trails:
· Hikers exploring the Refuge along the easy rated out and back 1-mile Sparrow Pond Trail will traverse through willows and open tall grassy areas and may see moose, waterfowl, and sandhill cranes enroute to the wetlands that make up sparrow pond. This trail is largely in an open area with full exposure to the sun. Hikers should ensure dogs are under their immediate control or leashed in the event moose are encountered in the willows. Moose with calves are particularly dangerous and very aggressive.
· On the easy rated out and back 1.37-mile Odell Creek Trail, hikers traverse through open forested habitat of aspen giving way to old growth Douglas fir. Access to the Continental Divide Trail is achievable given that this trail does continue beyond Refuge boundaries. Hikers may see moose, elk, deer, and black or grizzly bear, particularly if continuing the trail beyond the Refuge. Give wildlife plenty of space. Hikers should ensure dogs are under their immediate control or leashed in the event moose are encountered. Moose with calves are particularly dangerous and very aggressive, as are bears.
