Observation Hill Trail

The town of Nampa, though not too far from much of southeast Idaho’s outdoors, does not have many trails of its own. Deer Flat wildlife refuge is the closest option, and it offers a decent network of trails near Lake Lowell. The lake is quite popular in summer for boating, but these hiking trails are never crowded. Right here outside of Nampa you can enjoy a peaceful walk in nature, scanning the sagebrush prairie for wildlife or wildflowers.

Though the trails are on a hill close to the water, lake views are limited by stands of cottonwood, which are good for wildlife. You might see animals near the forest edge, or by looking from the observation deck at the top of the hill. You’ll likely spot waterfowl and other migratory birds. You might also see raptors, rabbits, ground squirrels, or deer. The ideal season is probably spring, when animals are on the move and flowers are in bloom. 

The trails do not enter the trees, but stay in the open grassland. That means there is no shelter, so very hot or cold days are not the best times to come. Save it for a pleasant spring day or a cool summer morning. The wide dirt path is mostly easy walking, but some parts are a bit steep. The full trail covers more than 3 miles, making a loop with the observation deck and the bottom of the hill near the trees. There’s no reason to walk all of it, however, if you want to make a shorter out-and-back from either trailhead. Begin at the visitor center or from the lot at the top of the refuge entrance road. The trails are open to walking, biking, and horseback. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash to protect nesting birds and other wildlife.