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North Region

North Region Sites

Hells Gate State Park

Nearest Town: Lewiston
Site Size: 960 acres

Highlights: Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl

Access: Year-round. Seasonal gate closure-site still accessible. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: From US 12, between Lewiston and Clarkston, just on the E side of the Snake River, turn S onto Snake River Ave; continue to state park.

Description: In the park, Mallard and Canada Goose can be seen year-round. During winter, Bufflehead and goldeneye are common. A Bald Eagle can often be found in the park during the winter. During the spring/summer, walk the riparian areas along the river or the brushy draws in the uplands for Western Bluebird, Yellow-rumped, Yellow, and Wilson’s Warblers, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Chipping, Savannah, Song, and White-crowned Sparrows, Bullock’s Oriole, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, Willow Flycatcher, Say’s Phoebe, California Quail, Western and Eastern Kingbirds, Bewick’s Wren, and Black-capped Chickadee. Along the river and at the mouth of Tammany Creek, look for American Avocet, Spotted Sandpiper, and Belted Kingfisher. At the south end of the park, check the rocky bluffs for Rock and Canyon Wrens, White-throated Swift, and 5 species of swallows. In the hills to the east, look for Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harrier, as well as Horned Lark, Brewer’s, Vesper, Lark, Savannah, and Grasshopper Sparrows.

More Information:
IDPR (208) 799-5015
Lewiston Chamber of Commerce 1-800-473-3543
www.idahoparks.org/parks/hellsgate.aspx


Photos
HellsGateSP-Idhao-Tourism.jpg
Hells Gate State Park
Photo Copyright Idaho Travel Council
rock-wren--brian-currie.jpg
Rock Wren
Photo Copyright Brian Currie
tree-swallow--tom-munson.jpg
Tree Swallow
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsPhoneBoardwalkCampgroundPicnic AreaNo Observation AreaVisitor CenterInterpretive Material AvailableBoat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsNo HuntingFishingWater SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedHorseback Riding

Handicapped Services:
No ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive MaterialsNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking Trails
What do these icons mean?


Habitat
grassland Graph illustrating 40% 40%
other Graph illustrating 60% 60%

Best Observation Times
Bird Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec AM/PM
Raptors Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Shorebirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N
Songbirds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Upland Birds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N
Waterbirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N
Waterfowl Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ALL
Target Species for this Site

Select a species from the list to view other sites on the Idaho Birding Trail Sites this species may be observed.

    Bittern, Herons and IbisesBlackbirds and alliesChickadees and TitmouseFinches and alliesGrebesGrosbeaks and BuntingsHawks and EaglesKingfisherQuailShorebirdsSparrows and alliesSwallowsTanagersThrushesTyrant FlycatchersWood WarblersWrens and Dipper

    Legend

    SeasonAbundanceRegion
    R - Resident 1 - Abundant, easily found s - Statewide
    M - Migrant 2 - Common, but sometimes difficult to find e - Southeast
    W - Winter 3 - Uncommon or local w - Southwest
    S - Summer 4 - Rare or very local c - Central
    5 - Casual, 3-10 accepted records p - Panhandle (North)
    6 - Accidental, 1-2 accepted records
    7 - Experimental
    (B) - Documented breeding evidence(End) - Threatened or Endangered
    (b) - Circumstantial breeding evidence(Int.) - Introduced species


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