deer flat national wildlife refuge

Good fishing some swimming and good picnicing wildlife good but can be spotty refuge headquarters very nice

I love coming here to check out the birds, displays and enjoy the solitude. If you hit it right there isn't anyone else here. You can close your eyes, listen and lose yourself in the nature sounds surrounding you.

You can walk around and see some trees, birds, and rocks. Fun times in Nampa. You can fish, too, if you pay the state for a license.

We were very impressed with the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. I will bring my 2 granddaughters there for a visit.

The visitor's center was nicely set up. There was a nice display on birds, as well as a children's area. There is also a television with live viewing on a Raptor's nest on the refuge. You can also view the live footage over the internet. I didn't walk all the trails, but there is a nice, paved one that leads down to the lake. I also took a side trail that went to a wildlife viewing blind. If you're in the area and enjoy nature, this is worth a stop.

I agree with all the other reviewers. I would just like to say there are miles of trails available for the handicapped. Paths are designed for wheel chair use. For example,just east of the visitor center there is a paved walking path to a Bird observation Booth. This would be a boon to a family with a handicapped child. Birds are fed there so there is a wide variety of them to be seen. It is shady in summer and is comfortable even in the the dead of winter. Just ask the visitor center staff for other suggestions. While we are speaking of the staffthey are true outdoor people with a love of nature be sure to visit with them when there.

The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is a very large area around Lake Lowell. It is all very pretty conservation land. My favorite part is the education center and their activities. We attended walks, classes and tours about water fowl, bats, insects, conservation and other topics. The kids were educated and entertained. This is a fun and valuable learning place. I highly recommend.

The fact is, there are several areas known as Deer Flat something or other around lake Lowell and beyond, so it is somewhat confusing when someone talks about "Deer Flat NWR" because it might be any of them. I went most recently to the damn at the end of Lake road off of Roosevelt. There is a boat launching facility there and some docks where people were sunbathing. I got out and walked along the dam and around the shore area scanning with binoculars for birds of interest. A Grebe or two and some common Mergansers fit the bill, so to speak, and as it was a calm, sunny, warm day the whole experience was delightful. I've been to the visitors center and other areas also known as Deer Flat NWR and found the areas well managed for habitat and well marked for closures during breeding season, all of which suits me fine. As there are areas of multiple use, the conservation happens alongside hunting. Overall, I think there needs to be more attention paid to the litter problem. Between shotgun shell casings left everywhere, beer and soda cans, and plastic bottles I was thoroughly disgusted. I'd be happy to return with a group, gloves, and garbage bags.

Love the lake, great fishing, boating, duck hunting, pheasant hunting or even deer hunting if lucky enough to draw one of the few tags. It is a great picnic spot with good facilities. Come fairly early as it can get crowded on the best weekends, early to get a picnic table or launch your boat. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has unsuccessfully (so far) attempted to take over this private, irrigation based, lake so watch out for the Fed Cops but don't be intimidated by them. They are generally friendly unless on furlough (paid even, no less). Really, enjoy the place. It's worth visiting once in a while.

I enjoy the refuge. There is quite a bit of wildlife to be seen and trails to run along. As an avid runner I look for places that are calming and bring me back to nature. An extra gold star for the refuge being close to home and on the lake. If you are there in the morning the trails are usually runners and a few fisherman. In the middle of the day and evening the boats and such come out on the lake and it makes a great place for the kids to explore.

I love that we can see this wild and wonderful place so close to home_ the eagles, waterfowl, lake with all it's miriad changes. It's just great!

Nice place to see many varieties of birds, ducks and small mammals. Get there early before the personal watercraft folks get started. Walk around the lessor traveled paths for a real treat.

The Treasure Valley is part of the great flyway for migrating birds so there is a no-stop, year-round, ever-changing avian population to observe. Lake Lowell is a popular boating and fishing spot, so the refuge is not exactly isolated.

I rode my bike around the lake and Deer Flat - nice, but didn't see much of the lake. 27 mile ride on "chipseal", which makes for a rough ride. I was hoping for a path rather than riding on the road. Needs more bathroom facilities.