Along Airport Rd, look for Snowy and Cattle Egrets, White-faced Ibis, Cinnamon Teal, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, and Willet. American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, and Short-eared Owl might be seen on the east side of the road just past the refuge’s entrance. Forster’s and Black Terns, Marsh Wren, Eared Grebe, White-faced Ibis, Short-eared Owls, and Trumpeter Swan can be seen along the loop. On the east side, listen for Sage Thrasher and Brewer’s and Sage Sparrows. Near the cliffs, you might catch a glimpse of Turkey Vulture, Golden Eagle, and Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. The north beach of the state park hosts Caspian Tern. Lifton Pumping Station has Cliff and Bank Swallows.

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1968 to protect and manage habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Located seven miles south of Montpelier, the refuge encompasses 18,000 acres of cattail marsh, open water, and flooded meadows that are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge provides valuable habitat for waterfowl and colonial nesting water birds.

Bear Lake Refuge provides valuable habitat for waterfowl and colonial nesting water birds. Portions of the refuge include scattered grasslands and brush-covered mountain slopes. 

DIRECTIONS: From Montpelier, take US 89 SW 3.3 mi; stop at USFWS office (at 322 N 4th St; co-located with the U.S. Forest Service in the Oregon Trail Center) for a map and bird list; L (S) at Bear Lake NWR sign (Airport Rd); zero odometer; continue S at airport turn-off; mi 4.9 is the refuge entrance; maps available at mi 5.1; continue S following the sign for the Observation Route (a square loop ~0.5 mi on each side); respect seasonal closures; return to refuge entrance and re-zero odometer; R (E) on Paris-Dingle Rd 5.2 mi to Dingle; R (S) on Dingle Rd 13.1 mi; R (W) on N Beach Rd; entrance to Bear Lake State Park is at mi 15 (entrance fee to park); continue W to mi 20 to reach US 89; R (N) to Paris and Montpelier.