Offering terrific wildlife experiences (especially in the “high” seasons of fall and spring) the 2,774-acre Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge’s wetlands, meadows, riparian and coniferous forests, and cultivated agricultural areas are interspersed throughout the refuge to provide a sanctuary, primarily for migrating waterfowl. During spring, and especially fall, when birds are moving along the Pacific Flyway, there may be thousands of ducks, geese and swans resting and foraging at the refuge ponds. But there’s more than waterfowl. Over 300 species of wildlife have been observed on the refuge: 22 species of fish, 7 species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, 45 species of mammals, and over bird 223 species. The refuge has hiking trails, wildlife blinds and a driving route offering multiple ways to see and experience the wildlife and its beautiful location in the Kootenai River valley, framed by the Selkirk Mountains to the west and the Purcell Range to the east.
