Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area






Overview
The Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area is a wildlife-friendly oasis located within the city limits.
Registered with the National Wildlife Federation as a “Backyard Wildlife Habitat Area,” the five-acre area provides an excellent way to observe wild birds, mammals and aquatic creatures. A paved path meanders through meadows and a small forest planted with a variety of trees and shrubs. Deer, coyote, raccoon, rabbit, skunks, amphibians, reptiles and over 115 bird species have been observed here.
The area includes:- A rock fountain and meandering stream spills into a small pond.
- An underwater viewing window provides a glimpse of crayfish, snails and tiny fish.
- Benches along the trail set amid flowering plants that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and other insects.
- An observation gazebo is outfitted with one-way glass and surrounded by bird feeders, providing up-close wildlife viewing.
The area is handicap accessible and is open anytime to self-guided tours.
Pedestrians and wheelchairs are allowed. No pets, skateboards, joggers or bikes.
History
In the 1960’s, Idaho Fish and Game purchased 10 acres in the Lewiston Orchards (the now-suburban area on the plateau above downtown Lewiston) and filled three of the acres with office buildings. The other seven acres was an alfalfa hayfield until 1985. Converting the hayfield to habitat began with several dedicated volunteers and community groups who installed the sprinklers, excavated the walking trail and constructed the bird observatory. In 1998, 13 years after beginning the project, the last structure, the cement underwater viewing room, was completed. Thousands of hours of labor over two decades have produced this very important urban wildlife area for people of all ages to enjoy.

Watch a video to learn more about what this area offers and how it was developed.

Directions from the Lewiston area:
– From the north side of Lewiston, follow U.S. Highway 12 across the bridge over the Clearwater River, stay in the left lane and head up 21st Street at the stoplight.
– Follow 21st Street (also called Thain) south up the hill. At the first stoplight at the top of the hill, there will be a Wal-Mart on the left and a KRLC radio station on the right.
– Continue on Thain to the next stoplight where a Chevron/Arbys is on the right and a Wells Fargo Bank is across the intersection on the left.
– Take a left turn at this stoplight (10th Street) and then an immediate right turn on Warner Avenue. Travel 1.5 miles on Warner Ave. to the end of the road.
– The area is on the right, 100 yards before the end of the road. Parking is available on a graveled area bounded by a rail fence, including a paved handicap parking space.
- Site Map
- Area Brochure – [PDF, 600 KB]
- Birding Info Sheet and Checklist – [PDF, 780 KB]
Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area
Clearwater Regional Office
Idaho Fish and Game
3316 16th St.
Lewiston, ID 83501
(208) 799-5010