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North Region

North Region Sites

Rapid River Fish Hatchery

Nearest Town: Riggins
Site Size: 5 acres

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

Access: Open late May - October 31. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: From Riggins, US 95 S 4.5 mi; follow signs for Rapid River Hatchery; R (W) on Rapid River Rd for 3 mi to hatchery and trailhead.

Description: Birding possible year round, but spring and fall are best. Very pleasant, moderate hike along Rapid River on well maintained trail. Good birding also around fish hatchery. Rapid River (a Wild and Scenic River) enters the Little Salmon River here. At least one Peregrine Falcon pair nests in the Rapid River drainage. Look for Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel. Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Northern Harrier may also be seen. Listen for Western Screech-, Northern Pygmy-, Northern Saw-whet, and Great Horned Owls in the spring during the evenings.

More Information:
IDFG (208) 628-3277
Riggins Chamber of Commerce (208) 628-3778


Photos
immature-sharp-shinned-hawkedited-karen-nitz.jpg
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Photo Copyright Karen Nitz
western-screech-owl--michael-woodruff.jpg
Western Screech-Owl
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
white-throated-swift-michael-woodruff.jpg
White-throated Swift
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterInterpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsHuntingFishingWater SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedHorseback Riding

Handicapped Services:
No ParkingNo RestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive MaterialsNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking Trails
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Habitat
riverine riparian Graph illustrating 100% 100%

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 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Songbirds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Upland Birds N N N N N N N N N N N N
Waterbirds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
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.

    Grouse and TurkeyHawks and EaglesKingfisherOwlsQuailSwiftsThrushesWrens 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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