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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Salt Plains Refugewinter wildlife

Golden and bald eagles, January through February, per the Fish and Wildlife Service's refuge brochure (Jan 1–Feb 28). This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.

Right now in Salt Plains Refuge · September

  • Selenite crystal digging and fishing trails open, April 1 to October 15 · Apr–Oct

94days to the next winter wildlife seasonJan 1–Feb 28, local timing

Local timing
Jan 1–Feb 28
General timing for this place: not a peak date, and not a forecast.

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge through the year

  • Golden and bald eagles, January through FebruaryJan–Feb
  • Whooping cranes again in late MarchMar
  • Selenite crystal digging and fishing trails open, April 1 to October 15NowApr–Oct
  • Whooping cranes, October through early NovemberOct–Nov
  • Sandhill cranes, October through AprilOct–Apr

Where to watch

  • Jet Recreation Trail1.85 mi out and back on a natural path, open every day, sunrise to sunset; one of the brochure's named eagle spots
  • Harold F. Miller Auto TourDrive it one-way north; open all year, sunrise to sunset; one of the brochure's named eagle spots

Salt Plains Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Sandhill cranes at the refuge
Sandhill cranes at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (date not given). Photo: Glen Hensley/USFWS · public domain · resized

How we know

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: General Information brochure (June 2025) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge?

Golden and bald eagles, January through February, per the Fish and Wildlife Service's refuge brochure: Jan 1–Feb 28. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

Is it wildlife season at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge right now?

Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 94 days (Jan 1–Feb 28, local timing).

Is there a fee?

No, there are no entrance fees or passes needed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: General Information brochure (June 2025) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

When is it open?

Daily from sunrise to sunset. Trails may close for controlled hunts, prescribed fires and maintenance.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: General Information brochure (June 2025) ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Is the visitor center open?

As of September 2026, the refuge's page says the visitor center is closed for remodel.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: General Information brochure (June 2025) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I dig for crystals in winter?

No. The Selenite Crystal Digging Area is open April 1 through October 15; the rest of the year you can still look out over the salt flats from the observation tower.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I use Cottonwood Point in winter?

No. Cottonwood Point Fishing Trail is open only for fishing, April 1 to October 15, so in January and February use Jet Recreation Trail or the auto tour instead.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: General Information brochure (June 2025) ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge?

Jet Recreation Trail: 1.85 mi out and back on a natural path, open every day, sunrise to sunset; one of the brochure's named eagle spots; Harold F. Miller Auto Tour: drive it one-way north; open all year, sunrise to sunset; one of the brochure's named eagle spots.

What is Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?

Golden and bald eagles, January through February (Jan–Feb), Sandhill cranes, October through April (Oct–Apr), Whooping cranes, October through early November (Oct–Nov), Whooping cranes again in late March (Mar) and Selenite crystal digging and fishing trails open, April 1 to October 15 (Apr–Oct).