Things To Do 

Birding

This region is known for many species of birds that make their home in Cache Valley. Our unique geography lets you see shorebirds and mountain species all within a 20-minute drive. Cache Valley is nestled between the Brigham City and Bear Lake Bird Refuges. Here, you’ll spot birds along the Bear River, directly west of Logan. In spring and summer, Cutler Marsh offers viewing in classic wetland habitat. White pelicans, great blue herons, common egrets, western grebes, plus a variety of ducks, geese, and shorebirds may be seen from roadways or you can rent a canoe or kayak for a close-up experience. The number and diversity of marsh birds is spectacular. In early autumn, visit the north end of the Wellsville Mountain wilderness to watch the annual raptor migration. Northern harriers, kestrels, goshawks, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and other species float by, lifted by canyon updrafts that ease their relentless flight south.

Bridgerland Audubon Club is a very active group of Cache Valley birders who enjoy frequent Saturday field trips. To learn more about this group and their schedule, visit www.bridgerlandaudubon.org.

You can learn about specific Cache Valley birding areas by downloading our brochure at Cache Valley Birding.

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge The 18,000-acre refuge is comprised mainly of a bulrush marsh, open water, and flooded meadows of sedges, rushes, and grasses. The interspersion of bulrush, open water and uplands provides ideal habitat for numerous waterfowl and shorebird species. entrance 2 miles east of Paris, Idaho on local road, Paris, ID (208) 847-1757 Year-round during daylight hours View Website

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is located in northern Utah, where the Bear River flows into the Great Salt Lake. The Refuge protects the largest freshwater wetlands of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Since these wetlands are surrounded by arid desert lands, it is little wonder that they have always been an oasis for waterfowl and shorebirds. Over 250 species of birds call this 76,000-acre Refuge home. The best times to visit the Refuge are during the spring and fall but summer can be very good as well. The Visitors Center is also a great educational resource. From Interstate 15 at Brigham City, take exit #363 (Forest Street) and turn west., Brigham City (435) 734-6422 Auto tour daylight hours year-around / Visitors Cntr Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. / Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. / Closed Sundays & Federal Holidays View Website

Hyrum State Park Canoe and boat rentals available during summer months. Call for details. This beautiful 450-acre manmade lake offers boating, year-round fishing, waterskiing, camping, and swimming. Facilities include a 32-unit campground with one ADA site, modern restrooms, showers, a concrete boat ramp, and a sandy beach. A group camping area is available by reservation for reunions and parties. The park is located only 15 minutes from downtown Logan. Blacksmith Fork Canyon and Hardware Ranch Elk Refuge are only 16 miles to the east. 405 West 300 South, Hyrum (435) 245-6866 View Website

Tony Grove Lake Known as the crown jewel of the Bear River Range, this glacial lake greets visitors with an explosion of summer wildflowers and lush green plants. Tony Grove was formed by powerful and slow-moving glaciers, as evidenced by the huge boulders deposited around the lake. Moose are often spotted taking advantage of the water’s cool summer temperatures. Take cash or check as there is a $6 parking fee (as of Sept 2013) for day use at the lake. Stay overnight in one of 34 campsites at the campground. Picnic areas and a fully accessible boardwalk are located near the water. The turn-off to the lake is 19.6 miles up Logan Canyon off U.S. Hwy. 89. A 7-mile road climbs to 8,050 feet. (435) 755-3620 26.6 miles from Logan in Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Logan Canyon (435) 755-3620 Logan Ranger District