skip to the main content area of this page
Idaho Birding Trail LogoMale Sage GrouseMountain Bluebird
Southeast Region

Southeast Region Sites

Palisades Reservoir

Nearest Town: Swan Valley
Site Size: 17,000 acres

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

Access: May freeze in winter. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: From Swan Valley, S on US 26; at mp 387, zero odometer at recreation area; route is 16 mi long; good pull-outs on R side of rd at mi 2.4, 2.7, 2.8, 3.7, 5.4, 5.9, 6.6, 7.7, 7.9, 8.3, 11.6, and 15.1.

Description: This high-altitude reservoir surrounded by steep, forested mountains is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It also has a history of a strong nesting Bald Eagle population. Look for Bald Eagle, Osprey, Western Grebe, and Great Blue Heron over the water. Common Loon can be viewed in early spring on the reservoir. The highest numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds are present during fall.

More Information:
USFS (208) 523-1412
Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce (208)523-1010


Photos
PalisadesRes.1267.29-idaho-travel-council.jpg
Palisades Reservoir
Photo Copyright Idaho Travel Council
PalisadesRes.1119.18-idaho-travel-council.jpg
Palisades Reservoir
Photo Copyright Idaho Travel Council
long-billed-dowitcher--camden-hackworth.jpg
Long-billed Dowticher
Photo Copyright Camden Hackworth
grat-blue-heron--camden-hackworth.jpg
Great Blue Heron
Photo Copyright Camden Hackworth
western-grebe--camden-hackworth.jpg
Western Grebe
Photo Copyright Camden Hackworth
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkCampgroundPicnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableBoat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking TrailsHuntingFishingWater SportsOHV/ATVs AllowedHorseback Riding

Handicapped Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive MaterialsBoat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking Trails
What do these icons mean?


Habitat
high elevation mixed conifer Graph illustrating 25% 25%
marshes/lakes/ponds Graph illustrating 60% 60%
other Graph illustrating 15% 15%

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 ALL
Shorebirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N ALL
Songbirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N ALL
Upland Birds N N N N N N N N N N N N
Waterbirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N ALL
Waterfowl N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N 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.

    Bittern, Herons and IbisesGrebesHawks and EaglesLoon

    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


    New! Browse the Idaho Birding Trail in Google Maps or Google Earth