Nature Trails

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of opportunities for visitors to see refuge wildlife. We have three nature trails open year round for wildlife observation and photography.

Sandpiper Trail

The .35-mile Sandpiper Trail takes visitors to the edge of the refuge's salt flats where a stream provides excellent shorebird habitat. At the end of the trail are information panels on shorebird identification, migration, and management. A short observation platform and 20-power spotting scope assists visitors in viewing the abundance of shorebirds present during spring and fall migrations. There is not a brochure for this trail.

The Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route is a 2.5-mile driving trail that meanders by refuge ponds and farm fields where deer and waterfowl abound. The habitat and wildlife change throughout the year, giving repeat visitors something different to enjoy each visit. The short quarter-mile walk to Casey Marsh Tower (Stop #9) is an outstanding area for ducks, geese, and eagles during late fall and winter.

Eagle Roost Nature Trail

A hike on the 1.25-mile Eagle Roost Nature Trail gives visitors a chance to enjoy a wide variety of wildlife and habitats. An interpretative brochure is available as well as identification signs for several plant species. Turtles, frogs, and snakes enjoy sunning themselves on logs in Eagle Roost Pond. Sand Creek Bay is a good area to observe shore and wading birds during the summer, while ducks, geese, and cranes rest here during the fall and winter.