One of Idaho’s best year-round birding sites. The reservoir as a superb migration birding site for all waterbird types from loons to shorebirds to waterfowl to terns; all four of Idaho’s regularly occurring terns may be found here during migration. In winter, the entire American Falls Dam area is good for viewing waterbirds, Common Loon, and many Bald Eagle. Highest concentration of migratory shorebirds in the state. Species that can be seen include Wilson’s Warbler (migration), White-throated and Harris’s Sparrows (winter), American Pipit (fall), Common and Pacific Loons (fall), Blue-winged Teal (summer), and Virginia Rail (summer).

DIRECTIONS: I-86 Exit #40 (W of Pocatello); 1.5 mi on Pocatello Ave into American Falls, following curve to R onto Harrison St; 2 blocks; L (S) on Ft. Hall Ave (Bus. I-86); 1 block is Idaho St; this intersection is the starting point for all locations; zero odometer; WILLOW BAY MARINA: NE on Ft. Hall Ave for 2 mi. SNAKE RIVER: Ft. Hall Ave SW; L (S) on Lincoln St; R (W) on Falls Ave (“Sportsman’s Access” sign); go 0.4 mi to intersection of Falls Ave/ McKinley St; 3 CHOICES: 1) go straight (W) for 0.3 mi to a river overlook, 2) go straight (W) for 0.2 mi; L (S) on Valdez St; follow “Sportsman’s Access” signs; boat launch at rd’s end; 3) L (S) on McKinley St; go 0.5 mi to cemetery and beyond to landfill; 0.25 mi S of cemetery R (W) on paved rd; landfill on L (S) in 0.4 mi; continue W on paved road past landfill; river overlook at rd’s end; L (SW); walk/drive the 2-track dirt road.