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East Central Region

East Central Region Sites

Cape Horn Lakes

Nearest Town: Stanley
Site Size: 320 acres

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

Access: Open June-October. Snow may limit vehicle access. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: From Stanley, ID 21 W 18.5 mi; turn R (N) onto FR 203 (Marsh Creek Rd); take fork to the R; go 0.4 mi and turn L (N) on FR 008 for 1.7 mi; R (S) on FR 158 1 mi to FR 003; L (NE) on FR 003 1.2 mi to the lakes.

Description: Cape Horn Lakes are unique in providing nesting snags for waterfowl. The lakes also provide shallow, open water habitat for other nesting and migrating aquatic birds, an uncommon environment in relation to the expanse of conifer forest across central Idaho. Waterfowl, such as Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, and Canada Goose nest in vegetation near water’s edge. Look and listen for Sandhill Crane and Wilson’s Snipe in meadow habitats around the lakes. Red-necked Grebe are seen on occasion during migration. The lodgepole pine forest habitat surrounding the chain of lakes harbors Spruce and Blue Grouse, several woodpecker species, Hermit Thrush, and Western Tanager.

More Information:
USFS (208) 838-3300
Stanley Chamber of Commerce 1-800-878-7950


Photos
ring-necked-ducks--keith-carlson.jpg
Ring-necked Ducks
Photo Copyright Keith Carlson
western-tanager--tom-munson.jpg
Western Tanager
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
wilson's-snipe--tom-munson.jpg
Wilson's Snipe
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
Facilities

General Services:
No ParkingNo RestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsNo HuntingNo FishingNo Water SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedNo Horseback Riding

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


Habitat
lodgepole pine Graph illustrating 15% 15%
marshes/lakes/ponds Graph illustrating 75% 75%
other Graph illustrating 10% 10%

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

    CranesGeese, Swans and DucksGrebesGrouse and TurkeyShorebirdsTanagersThrushesWoodpeckers

    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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