Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Sometimes we cannot appreciate the simple things in nature. If you really want to be in touch with nature and experience some of the wild, you don't need to go to the jungle. In this place, you will enjoy spectacular sunsets, the singing of birds, the sudden fright of many that take flight, the bites of wild sandpipers, days full of fog in winter, the nostalgia of a lake that threatens to disappear. and a river that gives life to the mangroves that provide food and life to thousands of birds and aquatic species. I recommend it 200%. A paradicical wildlife place that we have included in our photographic project, from Ana's CameraWork.

Beautiful scenery and wildlife. So peaceful and amazing, to go on the auto tour. We had so much fun and no trouble seeing a variety of birds, dragonflies, butterflies and fish.

My wife and I travel there often. It never disappoints. Today, for instance, we made the 1.5 hour drive to see some reported bald eagles. We made the loop, stopping frequently and driving an average speed of 7 mph. We didn't see any bald eagles. We did see harrier after harrier, many of which were gray ghosts. So much beauty in every direction.

Update February 2023: Interesting and educational James V. Hansen Wildlife Education Center. Unfortunately, we didn't see any bald eagles while driving the loop although others have spotted a few.

Previous year: Binoculars are essential. On the way to the loop you may see a bald eagle on a post so look around as you drive there. We saw two single ones, two groups of two, one group of five that would have made a great photo, many farther away.

Me and my family LOVE the Bird Refuge! All year round there are different things to see! There are times where you don't get to see much wildlife. But the scenery is beautiful to drive through still to some! Bring a camera if you are interested in photography of birds at all! Probably a lense that zooms pretty far too if your extremely serious about taking pictures! Not exactly completely kid friendly as it is basically a drive through and observe the animals you may see! Dirt roads so in the wetter/colder seasons its a bumpy holey journey! I think it's great still though! :)

We have been here before and did the drive through the refuge; so wish we had had the time on this trip because it was the height of bird migration and we would have seen a lot of different birds. The staff was very informative. Hope to come again this time of year to do the drive. The indoor display of birds and sounds is very well done and educational. There was construction going on in the back of the building, with new landscaping, benches, and native plants that looks like will be used for educational purposes. It will be interesting to see it the next time we are in the area.

I've been coming here since I was a young child. We like to come out here and do the auto tour a few times a year. Depending on when you come, you can see swans, eagles, pelicans, geese, herons, and many other birds. We've also seen other wildlife like coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and deer.

We went on Annual Swan Day a few weekends ago. Sadly, still too cold here to see the swans. (They say they were easily seen down at Farmington Bay.)

Plenty of activities for the kids, a nice gift/book shop, even featuring local photographers work.

They have a nice exhibit hall to help you learn more about the area.

Kids earned the FREE Junior Ranger pin. They provide you with a booklet, pencil and light green backpack full of gear to adventure with as you complete activities in the booklet.

Recent snowmelt made it hard to do much of the paved trail as some family members didn't have proper shoes.

I'd love to come back in May when things have warmed and greened up a bit more.

Had a beautiful morning photographing bird are the refuge! The walking trails by the nature center were okay. The best sightings are out on the auto tour trail

Awesome place. The visitors center was open and we enjoyed all the displays and information. The kids had a great time doing the Jr Ranger Activity Book along the trail. That kept them busy for at least an hour. Nice paved trail with benches along the way. There was no shade so I would recommend a hat and glasses. We didn’t have time to drive around the rest of the refuge.

So beautiful....we didn't see any swans, but there were lots of other birds. The nature center was lovely also. If we had kids with us, they would have loved the play area. A very relaxing, enjoyable time.

Went in mid April....lots of interesting songbirds and waterfowl! I haven't spent much time in Utah but was surprised by all the marshland. The river is small but there are lots of wetlands as,well. We drove the 12 mile 'auto tour' and enjoyed the tranquility.

Excellent birding site with an approximately 12.5 mile auto tour route. We identified over 30 different species in a total of about 8 hours spent here on two different days. Both waterfowl and land birds are present. It has been an awesome experience.

Christmas Day visit in 2020. Impressed by the sheer beauty of this place on a bright winter day. Even found a number of birds just hanging out in the freezing weather. Will definitely be coming back.

We went to the bird refuge for Swan Day in March. There weren’t any swans up close (bring binoculars or a telephoto lens) but it was still so peaceful and rejuvenating with the panoramic Wasatch mountain views, blue water, and golden marsh. You drive one-way on a dirt road through the bird refuge. There are two platforms you can stop at and also a few pull-offs. It's perfect for landscape or nature photography, but we also found a lot of beautiful locations for family photo shoots! Note: the visitor center is closer to town just off the freeway, so you can stop there before or after your visit to the bird refuge. Be sure to check their hours before you go. We missed them but plan to go back when they're open.

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, a nearly 80,000 acre area of open water and mudflats is a beautiful refuge for over 250 species of birds. This area is beautiful in every season of the year. The James Hansen Wildlife Education Center with interactive exhibits is a great place to learn more about the migratory birds that fly and nest is this refuge. This bird refuge is a wonderful place for bird watching and photography. The drive around the loop is nice even with few birds in the winter months. A great place to visit!!

If a place could be a soulmate, this is mine. Magical is the only word that comes to mind. The $12 million dollar visitor's center is awesome for kids and quite a remarkable feat (although hours are limited, be sure to check before you visit). After the visitor center, head 12 miles west to the actual refuge where you will find a 12 mile, one-way loop. Some days it is not uncommon to see 35+ species of birds. Nesting season is always fun, but birds are here year round and a visit is always fruitful. I have visited several national refuges and this one is just the very best. A must see.

Amazing views! Great place to go watch birds and spend day with nature. The visitor center had fun activities for kids, the staff was very helpful.

We drove the 12 mile loop through the refuge. Even on a 100 degree day in July it was teaming with life. The wonder of nature never cease to amaze me.

Great place to go bird watching. Keep in mind the auto-tour is just that. Water ways are only open to hunters during hunting season unless you kayak/canoe on the actual Bear River off a boat ramp about a half-mile before the auto-tour.