Birds of Prey & Sand Dunes in Bruneau

During this stop we plan to explore a section of the Morely Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and visit our first Idaho State Park – Bruneau Dunes.

An incredible welcome to Idaho

Just after crossing the border from Nevada into Idaho, we see a very large shape on the left side of the road. There have been cattle warnings for the last 50 miles, so we quickly slow down just in case it comes further into the road. But as we get closer, we realize it’s not a cow. It’s a large black bear! It stops and looks at us, at the same time we realize what we’re looking at, then quickly turns around and goes back up the hill. Too quick to get a photo; but we did remember to hit the save button on the dashcam; which unfortunately makes it look much further away that it was.

Not great video quality, but we were able clean it up a bit, slow it down, and zoom in to get it the best we could.

Regardless, what an incredible welcome to Idaho!

CJ Strike Reservoir

Our first stop in Idaho in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area… what a mouthful! Needless to say, the signs needed to accommodate this name are quite large.

Cove Recreation Campground

After entering the Conservation Area, we find a spot in the Cove Recreation Campground on the southern shore of the CJ Strike Reservoir. This small campground is first come, first served and offers the usual campground amenities. However, it seems to be down wind of either pigs or cattle. So, we’re not getting the fresh air we were expecting. The lingering smell may be due to the high winds we encounter the few days we’re here; but we’ll never know.

After setting up, relaxing, and having lunch we head into nearby Mountain Home, Idaho to do some much needed laundry and shopping. On the way we cross the Snake River just west of the dam.

This earth-filled hydroelectric dam creates a reservoir that extends 26 miles up the Snake River and 12 miles up the Bruneau River. There are three additional parks here with camping, boat ramps, picnic areas, and a variety of other activities.

Sunset over the reservoir

After a successful trip in town completing our chores, we come back to camp near sunset. And, as we finish putting everything away, we look out the window to see the sun setting over the dam.

Campground and reservoir explorations

Over the next few days, we venture out to explore the campground and reservoir. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any birds of prey; but we did see some beautiful scenery. We also catch sight of one bird that seems to be common to the area; but is new to us.

We pick the least windy day of our stay to venture out and explore Bruneau Dunes State Park and a few other sections of the Conservation Area.

Bruneau Dunes State Park

Covering over 4,800 acres and boasting one of the longest camping seasons in the Idaho State Park System, this park has a variety of activities to offer visitors including: sand boarding, fishing, and studying the night sky.

Be sure to stop in at the visitor center to visit their small museum and learn about the park before beginning your explorations.

Sand Dunes

The Bruneau Dunes are unique because these dunes form near the center of Eagle Cove; which is the park’s semicircular natural basin. Most dunes form on the edge of a basin.

The two dunes are about 470 feet tall and span over 600 acres. They’ve been forming here over the last 15,000 years due to two relatively constant winds, one from the northwest and the other from the southeast. The blowing sand just gets trapped here and does not drift.

These dunes also provide one of the main activities in the park… sandboarding. The visitor center rents equipment for those who do not have their own; and we happily spent time watching the antics of those on the dunes, while consuming our picnic lunch.

After lunch, we head out for a hike around the lakes.

Small Lake Loop

Our intention is to hike around both lakes; but quickly realize that the trail is mostly deep sand around the dunes. Neither of us enjoy walking in sand, so we quickly modify our plans to only go around the small lake loop.

We found it very surprising to see two good size lakes in the middle of these dunes, so we inquired about the them.

They began forming around 1950, and are believed to be a result of a higher water table due to the nearby reservoirs. However, instead of trying to “fix” the issue, the park embraced them for the plant and animal life they’ve brought, as well as allowing for things like boating and fishing in the shadow of the dunes. They definitely add a unique experience for visitors.

As you can see from the pictures above, the landscape surrounding the park appears very flat. It’s eye opening to look out and see what appears to be flat land for miles in any direction, and then look down and see lakes teeming with life. Only to then realize, that there are many more of these crevices littering the landscape surrounding us.

Observatory

As we complete the trail, we end up at the observatory. It’s currently closed, but does offer programs each Friday and Saturday evening beginning at dusk (Apr through mid-October). It would have been incredible to be here during the recent G4 geomagnetic storm and resulting aurora borealis.

Snake River

As we leave the park, we see the Snake River and it’s canyon walls to the northest of the entrance.

Loveridge Bridge

Next, we stop at Loveridge Bridge to check out the coves around the bridge and see if we can find some wildlife.

Unfortunately, there’s very little wildlife to be found. So, we head further west toward camp and decide to stop at a few places along the Bruneau River.

Bruneau River

The Bruneau River, a Snake River tributary, is 153 miles long beginning at the at the eastern end of the reservoir we’re currently camped on. It runs all the way into Nevada.

Lower Wetland Area

This us just one of the many spots along the river you can stop to view the lower wetland areas. It’s the wrong time of day to see wildlife; but it’s still a nice view.

Cottonwood Viewpoint

Our next stop is the Cottonwood Viewpoint overlooking the Bruneau Pool to the north & east; and the Bruneau Narrows to the northwest. There are information boards here about the Oregon Trail (Covered Wagons, not hiking), the birds of prey habitats to be found in the area, and the local geology. It’s a great place to get an overhead perspective of the area.

We can also see the snow covered peaks of Boise National Forest in the distance to the north.

And to the west we can see what we believe to to be Slacks Mountain in the Owyhee Mountains.

Despite the wind and the lingering scent in the air at camp, we enjoyed our time exploring the area.

Next stop… Exploring southwestern Idaho