Facility Activities

Activities available at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge include wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation, hunting and fishing. Visit the Wildlife Education Center to learn about the birds and habitat of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.

What can I do if I have...
1/2 hour:
  • Explore the Exhibit Hall, or
  • Watch the Refuge film 鈥淲ings of Thunder," or
  • Visit the Avocet Corner Nature Store, or
  • Take a walk on the Refuge鈥檚 Wetland Wonders nature trail, 陆 mile, outside of the Visitor Center.
1 hour:
  • Take a walk on the Refuge鈥檚 Bulrush Bridge nature trail, 戮 mile, outside of the Visitor Center, or
  • Play, discover, and learn in the Outdoor Classroom and Nature play area, or
  • Earn a Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Junior Botany or Junior Ornithology pin.
1-2 hours:
  • Take a walk on the Refuge鈥檚 Marsh Meander nature trail, 1 陆 miles, outside of the Visitor Center, or
  • Play, discover, and learn in the Outdoor Classroom and Nature play area, or
  • Earn a Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Junior Ranger badge, or
  • Complete the 36-mile round trip to the Auto Tour Route.
All the time in the world...
  • All of the above, plus
  • Participate in all-day recreational activities including wildlife photography, cycling, fishing, and seasonal hunting. 

America the Beautiful Federal Recreational Lands Pass

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge serves as a handout site for a variety of the free interagency America the Beautiful passes. America the Beautiful Federal Recreational Lands Passes cover the entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by:

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, the pass covers one private vehicle fee or four person entrance fees. Available passes at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge include the Military Annual Pass, Military Lifetime Pass, Access Pass, and Fourth Grade Every Kid Outdoors Pass. America the Beautiful passes are non-transferable and passholders must show valid photo identification with each pass. More information on passes can be found below:

Education programs

Teachers and educators can find many options for their students and classes at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. 

Lessons in a Trunk

Interested in premade lessons for your class? Check out one of our trunks. They are on a first-come, first-served basis, and check outs...

Accessible trails

A network of trails at the Visitor Center offers three different paths to choose. All of the trails begin in the parking lot and end on the back patio of the Visitor Center forming a large U-shape. 

The Wetland Wonders Trail is a 1/2 mile paved trail with a floating dock at the...

Auto tour

The Auto Tour Route is open sunrise to sunset. This leisurely 12 mile drive takes you out onto the Bear River Delta. The end of the Bear River is the beginning of the Auto Tour Route.  The Auto Tour Route is a gravel road, which can be bumpy especially in winter, but buses, 2 wheel drives,...

Birding
Spring / Migration

In the spring, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is active with life as birds fly back from the south.  There is a continuous flow of different species in and out of the Refuge.  Each day offers something new.  Birds are in their bright and colorful breeding...

Fishing

Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Available species include catfish and carp on specified areas of the Bear River channel. Main fish caught are catfish and carp.

Hunting

The wetlands around the Great Salt Lake offer some of the best waterfowl hunting in the West. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge protects over 77,000 acres of open water, marsh, and mud flats on a northern inlet of the Great Salt Lake. Areas of the Refuge are designated as open for waterfowl and...

Photography

From stunning sunrises and sunsets to thousands of birds, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge provides a rich canvas, which nature paints daily. Grab your cameras and explore the magnificent beauty that awaits you. You may use the photography blind on the walking trails or use your car as a blind...

Painting and drawing

From stunning sunrises and sunsets to thousands of birds, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge provides a rich canvas, which nature paints daily.  Grab your easel, paints, pencil and sketch pad, or any of your art supplies, come and immerses yourself in nature's warm embrace or it's vibrant...

Biking

Biking is allowed on all public road ways, including West Forest Street and the Auto Tour Route.  Take a short ride or a long ride.  On West Forest Street from the Visitor Center to the beginning of the Auto Tour Route, is 12 miles.  The Auto Tour Route is 12 miles around. ...

Dog walking

The Visitor Center's walking trails are open to dog walking as long as all dogs are secured by leash. Two dog waste stations with waste disposal cans and trash bags are located on the trail. One is located at the parking lot trailhead and another is near the Outdoor Nature Explore Classroom....

Picnicking

At the Visitor Center, the Refuge has many outdoor spaces, including the Outdoor Amphitheater, Outdoor Nature Explore Classroom, and walking trails, with designated areas to picnic and eat food. Please make sure to dispose of trash inside one of the Visitor Center's garbage cans. 

The...