This wildlife area is very special. We arrived shortly after sunrise. The five mile auto route was spectacular in It’s own right. We saw many folks who weren’t capable or interested in hiking simply driving slowly and taking in the scenery.

We chose to take about half of the available side trails off the auto route. Some circled waterways or used boardwalks, other paths amble through the dry ponderosa forest. The hiking was easy, relaxing, rejuvenating. We hiked a half dozen miles total.

Our drive and hikes took us six hours. We could easily have stayed until dusk. Beavers, a moose, Tundra Swans and numerous other waterfowl made for a great day. The wildflowers are just barely getting started.

Mrs. Geezerhiker and I headed east for ten days.  We stopped in Spokane to visit our daughter and her husband.  I hiked the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge at sunrise and saw three moose: two young ones and one adult.

We drove across Idaho and Montana to Wyoming to visit Yellowstone National Park.  In addition to all the attractions of the park, we saw a big bull elk and a big bison.

We took a day to visit Mesa Falls on the Snake River about one hour north of the town of Driggs, Idaho.  The upper and lower falls are stupendous.

We explored Grand Teton National Park for two days and were amazed how close you can get to these magnificent mountains.

Finally, we drove the scenic byways north and south of Stanley, Idaho.  We saw herds of antelope of both sides of the town.

The weather was perfect every day!  The skies were clear, the temps were mild, and there was no smoke from wildfires.

We were in the right places at the right times, although Yellowstone Park was crowded.

P.S. My book, "Photohiking," is now available as a paperback at the Amazon store.  Give it a read.

We hiked the bluebird trail with 2 big dogs, a 4 year old and a 7 year old. It was 3.6 miles round trip. Very easy trial. Nice views.

We walked the Pine Lake Loop trail (1.25 miles) and drove the 5 mile auto loop out of the refuge. The scablands and lakes make for some really pleasant walks. We didn't make it out there early enough to spot any mammals, but we enjoyed some birds (a group of pelicans, heron, gold finches) and some wildflowers (lupine, vetches, dog rose, daisies). The loop is quite accessible for all ages. We were a little wary of ticks and avoided some of the other trails through the refuge that seemed to be more forested.

Currently there is no fee for entry (possibly due to Covid?) so that was an unexpected pleasure. Restrooms and visitor center remain closed. I hiked the Pine Lakes Loop with a walk down to Cheever Lake and also did the Blackhorse Lake Trail. Startled a beautiful coyote, saw lots of ducks and geese, several white pelicans, a few herons. Also heard porcupines.

I thought I escaped any bug issues but found two ticks on me when I got home. Beware!