Summary
It was established in 1965 and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, elk, moose, and coyotes.
There are plenty of good reasons to visit Gray's Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. The refuge is also a popular spot for fishing, with Gray's Lake being stocked with trout every year.
One of the main points of interest at the refuge is the Gray's Lake Wildlife Viewing Area, which is located on the west side of Gray's Lake. This area provides visitors with a chance to observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Another point of interest is the Gray's Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which features exhibits on the refuge's wildlife and history.
Interesting facts about Gray's Lake National Wildlife Refuge include that it is one of the few remaining natural wetlands in southeastern Idaho, and it is home to one of the largest nesting populations of sandhill cranes in the world. The refuge also contains the largest inland wet meadow in the United States.
The best time of year to visit Gray's Lake National Wildlife Refuge is in the summer months, from June to August. During this time, visitors can enjoy the warm weather and observe a variety of migratory birds that come to the refuge to breed. The fall months are also a popular time to visit, as the leaves on the trees begin to change color. However, the refuge is closed to visitors during the winter months due to harsh weather conditions.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Gravel Creek
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Gravel Creek Campground
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Pine Bar Campground
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Pine Bar
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