Migrating and wintering waterfowl are supported on the WMA in large numbers. Commonly seen are Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, American Wigeon, Redheads, Mallards, Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and Ring-necked Ducks.

The Pend Oreille WMA consists of 25 discontinuous parcels of land scattered along the edges of Lake Pend Oreille, the Pend Oreille River, Pack River, Clark Fork Delta, Priest River and additional nearby waters. The properties range in size from 2 acres to 1,729 acres. Public facilities are available but scattered across this sprawling WMA. Paved roads provide access to the WMA properties. Once on the WMA, all travel is non-motorized. Mowed maintenance trails on some segments provide paths for foot travel, biking, skiing and other non-motorized means of travel.

Pend Oreille WMA lands were acquired as mitigation for impacts from the construction of Albeni Falls Dam. Prior to construction, Lake Pend Oreille fluctuated naturally. Spring runoff raised the lake level an average of 12 feet, which would peak in May and by late summer the lake would recede to its normal level for the next eight months. This seasonal flooding supported a diverse array of vegetation that in turn supported an array of wildlife.

Pend Oreille WMA properties provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Sites that typically support thousands of waterfowl during migration include Morton Slough, Oden Bay, the Pack River Delta, Denton Slough and the Clark Fork River Delta.

The greatest use of the WMA occurs in the fall. Waterfowl numbers have been as high as 60,000 ducks, 15,000 Canada geese and 2,000 tundra swans. A large portion of the Pacific Flyway' s redhead duck population winters on Lake Pend Oreille, with counts reaching 20,000.

DIRECTIONS: From Sandpoint, ID 200 E for ~11 mi