Oxbow Bend [Suggest Edits]

Description

Formed by thousands of years of meandering and erosion, the Snake River's very own Oxbow Bend provides ample opportunity for wildlife viewing. The slow-moving water found at this bend allows for aquatic life to thrive and luckily there's a road right next to it allowing for folks like us to enjoy!

The food chain is on full display here - Be on the lookout for suckers and trout that are easy prey for osprey, bald eagles, American white pelicans, and mergansers, all of which will dive at hurtling speeds in order to catch a meal. River otters also feed on these fish; if you're lucky you'll get a chance to see an otter floating on its back using its stomach's as an eating platform! Other mammals can also be seen swimming here - keep your eyes peeled for beavers and muskrats.

Outside the water, you might see Moose browsing on the willows at the Bend's edge. Additionally, Elk are sometimes seen here grazing in the aspen groves to the east.

Join and ranger here for an evening wildlife watch anytime between 6 pm and 7:30 pm to scan the area for birdlife and large mammals. This is offered daily from Sept. 8th to the 26th.

On the Road: Just off of Hwy. 89!

Family Friendly: Kids will primarily love the opportunity to get out of the car and stretch, but the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities here will please almost as much :).

Gem Type: Viewpoint