Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is surrounding Lake Lowell which serves as resting, breeding and wintering area for the migratory birds. The refuge has two units - Lake Lowell (10,588 acres) and the Snake River Islands (800 acres).There are over 250 bird species and over 100 nest observed around the refuge. Ducks, Canada geese, bald eagles and other raptors are the main migratory bird here. There is a visitors center where the staffs discuss about the wildlife conservation projects.The Upper Embankment adjacent to the refuge is a 74 feet high and 4165 feet long dam impounding the water of the Boise River in off-stream storage.The refuge has diverse recreational activities like bird watching, fishing, boating, hunting etc. Since it is only 40 minutes away from Boise, we used to go there for weekend picnic or just to enjoy the serene beauty of the refuge.This place is a must visit if you are in Boise.

Quite and serene other than the birds we could see and hear.

Really Wonderful place and Very Informative Visitors center,Love it and go often just to walk the Beautiful trails

By far the biggest lake I’ve ever Bernita my toes in, watch out for broken glass all over the shore line.

Great Natures Explorers program for preschool age kids once a month. My daughter loved it and wanted to go back the next day. My kids also really enjoy inside the visitor center.

Really neat little place. You can and will learn so much about ALL the creatures that live in & around Lake Lowell. The volunteers & staff are SUPER knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Definitely one of the best class field trips Ive chaperoned.

Its gorgeous here. Its peaceful and lovely and I enjoy it immensely.

It’s a good place for bird watching.

Went here because I had a research project for my Environmental Science class. There was tons of good information, diverse topics, interesting displays, and of course the beautiful view of the lake.

Awsm, take the time to go, take your kids and get some great fresh air and see the critters and other friends. You wont regret it.

Its so peaceful!

The only thing Id like to see change is the health of the water otherwise its a nice spot

Great place for young children. Very informative and they have great activities for children of all ages, especially the younger ones.

We always enjoy walking our dogs at this breathtaking place!

Fantastic place to take children, or even adult who wish to learn more about the refuge. The visitors center has a list of approximately 30 short films about the nature and wildlife surrounding the area, which includes a number of kid related videos that teach them about all kinds of wildlife and their lives. All in all, its a wonderful place to take children!

Never been there until today, stopped in to use the restroom after running the trails. I was amazed at the neat things. Love how there is hands on things for kids. Wow. Definitely go back with my kids.

Family friendly Nice quiet experience many animals and facts to learn about. The wonderful people here host events for children including day camps and adventures for all ages and if you want just drive a bit down the path and bam the lake to swim, boat, jetski, bbq, and so much more family time!!!!

Peaceful place for a hike or bike ride

Great place for a fishing pole and relaxation :)

Pretty area. Water full of algae (thats not good) Lots of wildlife.

So much to explore inside if you like learning about the native wildlife.

Thank you for helping us pull off a great Youth Day event!!! The kids had a blast and we are appreciate you hosting this important community event!

Nice place. Accessible for boats, and for hikers and others. Handicap accessible bathroom facilities as well.

Loved the Observation Hill hike! Good walk with the family.

Great visitor center. Look forward to birding in the spring. Grandchildren will enjoy when they come for a visit.

Beautiful hike trails. Went with a group and we all enjoyed the scenery. The visitor center was fun and interactive. Looking into another opportunity to take another group hike!

Wonder to hike walk

Love the docks even though I smashed my thumb when my wife got out of the boat lol.

It was informative and nice to walk around

The staff was very helpful

Fun and beautiful views.

Kids had a good time

Great place to bring kids, and great for a break during a hike/walk.

Lots of displays and good information, good informative staff

We hold our Fly Fishing Club there and have for a long time.

Nice lake Great visitor center

Enjoyed our visit! Loved the trails.

Educational place to enjoy many subjects about nature and the environment.

Really cool and lots of good information!!

I went on a tour of the refuge once its a pretty cool place.

Its always a pleasure to visit!

Nice quiet walking trails.

Little ones like to learn about plants/animals

Great place!

Great place for bird watching!

Great places for the kids as well as adults

Great visitors center

Cold outside but hung out

Very educational

Idk

Very informational

Beautiful place to hike

Love it!

Didnt see any birds.

Fun

Beautiful, educational, and relaxing.

Look cool

Great for birdwatching!

My wife enjoyed it.

My grandkids loved it.

Free