38 Wildlife Sanctuaries to Explore in Idaho

The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, is a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife, encompassing a mosaic of wetlands, marshes, and open water habitats.Covering over 18,000 acres, the refuge serves as an essential stopover for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. It provides nesting, feeding, and resting grounds for various waterfowl, shorebirds, and other avian species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Big Cottonwood Wildlife Management Area at 814 acres (3.29 km2) is an Idaho wildlife management area in Cassia County northwest of the town of Oakley. The land for the WMA was purchased in 1993 by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and had previously been a cattle ranch and farm for nearly 100 years.

The Big Jacks Creek Wilderness, situated in Owyhee County, Idaho, is a captivating testament to untouched natural beauty and rugged landscapes. It stands as a testament to the raw and unspoiled beauty of Idaho's landscapes, inviting adventurers and nature enthusiasts to explore its rugged terrains and immerse themselves in its untamed wilderness.

Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area at 2,400 acres (9.7 km2) is an Idaho wildlife management area in Caribou County near the town of Soda Springs. The location of the WMA along the Blackfoot River was homesteaded by the Rasmussen family in 1883. It was sold to John Jay Stocking in 1907 and remained in the family for 3 generations before being purchased by the Conservation Fund in 1994, which sold it to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

The Boise River Wildlife Management Area, situated along the Boise River in Idaho's Ada and Canyon Counties, covers about 1,100 acres. This area is a critical habitat for diverse wildlife species, offering a range of ecosystems such as riparian zones, wetlands, and upland shrub-steppe.

The Boundary Creek Wildlife Management Area, situated in Idaho's Boundary County, is a dedicated area for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. It serves as an important sanctuary for wildlife conservation and provides opportunities for responsible outdoor recreation, offering visitors a chance to experience and appreciate Idaho's diverse natural landscapes and wildlife.

The C.J. Strike Wildlife Management Area, located in Elmore County, Idaho, is a vast expanse covering approximately 7,000 acres along the Snake River. This area is renowned for its diverse habitats, including wetlands, marshes, reservoirs, and riparian zones, making it a haven for various species of wildlife.

The Camas National Wildlife Refuge, located in Jefferson County, Idaho, is a vital haven for migratory birds and diverse wildlife, nestled within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Encompassing over 10,000 acres, this refuge serves as a critical habitat for various waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife species.

The Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area, located in Camas County, Idaho, is a natural gem renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Spanning over 4,300 acres, this protected area encompasses wetlands, marshes, and grasslands, making it a haven for various species of birds, mammals, and plants.

Carey Lake Wildlife Management Area, located in Blaine, is a diverse natural area spanning approximately 1,545 acres. It offers a range of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and open fields, making it a haven for various wildlife species. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.

The Cecil D. Andrus–White Clouds Wilderness, located in central Idaho, stands as a pristine and picturesque area offering a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures.it presents an opportunity for visitors to experience unspoiled nature, immerse themselves in the beauty of Idaho's backcountry, and embark on outdoor adventures in a protected and pristine environment.

Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area, situated in north-central Idaho, offers a diverse and scenic landscape that supports a variety of wildlife habitats and outdoor recreational activities.Covering approximately 46,000 acres, the area encompasses forests, grasslands, and rugged terrain, providing a home to various species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bear, and numerous bird species. This diversity makes it an attractive destination for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and hunters.

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, located in Canyon County, Idaho, is a haven for diverse wildlife and a sanctuary of natural beauty. Spanning across the picturesque landscape along the Snake River, this refuge is a testament to conservation efforts and offers a range of recreational and educational opportunities.

Deer Parks Wildlife Management Area is a 2,556-acre (1,034 ha) Idaho wildlife management area in Madison County near the town of Roberts. Land in the WMA was acquired in 1997 and 1999 for partial mitigation of the effects of the construction of the Palisades Dam.Most of the region's waterfowl species can be found in the WMA, including trumpeter swans.[3] The WMA is open to non-motorized travel all year and hunting in fall.

The Farragut Wildlife Management Area in Kootenai County, Idaho, is an expansive natural reserve covering thousands of acres, primarily dedicated to preserving diverse wildlife habitats and ecosystems.This area provides a sanctuary for various species of birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife, serving as a vital haven for conservation efforts. Its habitats include wetlands, forests, meadows, and waterways, all contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.

The Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area, situated in Canyon County, Idaho, is a sprawling natural sanctuary renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Spanning over a vast area, this protected region comprises a blend of wetlands, marshes, grasslands, and riparian habitats, creating an ideal environment for various species of birds, mammals, and plants.

The Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness is one of the largest and most remote wilderness areas in the United States, located in central Idaho. Encompassing over 2.3 million acres of rugged terrain, it's named after U.S. Senator Frank Church and the Salmon River, often called the "River of No Return" due to its swift currents and historical use by loggers who couldn't navigate back upstream.

The Gospel Hump Wilderness, located in north-central Idaho within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, spans over 200,000 acres of rugged and pristine wilderness. This area, named for two prominent peaks—Gospel Peak and Hump Mountain—offers a remote and breathtaking landscape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge, situated in Caribou County, Idaho, is a picturesque sanctuary for wildlife, encompassing diverse habitats and offering a haven for numerous species of birds and other wildlife.Spanning over 19,000 acres, the refuge primarily consists of wetlands, marshes, and meadows surrounding Grays Lake, providing a crucial breeding and nesting ground for a variety of bird species. Notably, it serves as a significant stopover for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.

Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge is situated in southeastern Idaho, not far from Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge stands as a valuable sanctuary for wildlife, particularly birds, and offers visitors a chance to experience and appreciate the diverse natural habitats within southeastern Idaho's landscape.