About Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Nestled beside the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, this 2,774 acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife including moose, elk, deer, bear, otter, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl such as mallards, northern pintail, and teal. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in Idaho's Panhandle approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border and 5 miles west of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.Established in 1964 as a migratory waterfowl refuge, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for more than 220 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, and 22 species of fish. Wetlands, meadows, riparian forests and cultivated agricultural fields (for producing valuable wildlife food crops) are interspersed in the valley bottom adjacent to the west banks of the Kootenai River.Wetlands include open-water ponds, seasonal cattail-bulrush marshes, tree-lined ponds and rushing creeks. The western portion of the refuge ascends the foothills of the scenic Selkirk Mountains which consists of dense stands of coniferous trees and tranquil riparian forests.
How to Get There
The primary entrance to the Refuge can be accessed by Hwy 95 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. From Hwy 95, head west on Riverside Rd. for about 6 miles, following the dike along the Kootenai River. After crossing over Deep Creek, you will see a welcome sign as you enter the Refuge property. You may continue on to headquarters by following Riverside Rd. another 2 miles, turn slightly right onto Westside Rd. and headquarters is 1/4 mile on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1460) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge?
The primary entrance to the Refuge can be accessed by Hwy 95 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. From Hwy 95, head west on Riverside Rd. for about 6 miles, following the dike along the Kootenai River. After crossing over Deep Creek, you will see a welcome sign as you enter the Refuge property. You may continue on to headquarters by following Riverside Rd. another 2 miles, turn slightly right onto Westside Rd…
How do I contact Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-267-3888 or email: fw1KootenaiNWR@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
