Wildlife watching near Lincoln
Elk, deer, and the occasional moose. Keep your camera close.
Wildlife
Elk, deer and moose live right here in the valley, and the lakes and wetlands nearby draw bald eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes and loons. Early morning and evening are the best times to look, and some of the best viewing is right from your site.
Local tips from Matt and Nichole, owners of Lost Moose Meadows.
What you might see
- Elk: Common in the meadows around Lincoln. Bulls bugle during the September rut.
- Mule deer and whitetails: Seen around camp and along roadsides, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Moose: Found in willows and timber around the valley.
- Bears: Black bears and grizzlies live in the surrounding mountains. Lincoln is part of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, home to the largest grizzly population in the lower 48.
- Birds: Bald eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, common loons, great blue herons and pileated woodpeckers.
Through the seasons
- Spring: Elk gather in open meadows and birds return to the wetlands. Calves and fawns are born in late spring.
- Summer: Animals move into the timber midday and come out in the morning and evening.
- Fall: The elk rut peaks in September.
Scenic drives for wildlife
Drive slowly, go early or late in the day, and pull fully off the road before stopping.
Beaver Creek Road
North of LincolnForest Road 4106 heads north from Highway 200 just west of town into the timber and meadows below the Scapegoat Wilderness. A quiet road for an early morning or evening drive.
Dalton Mountain Road
Highway 200 to Highway 141About 14.6 miles over Dalton Mountain, climbing from Highway 200 through forest and dropping into open sagebrush hills before meeting Highway 141. The road crosses private property, so stay on the road.
Nevada Ogden Road
Highway 200 to Highway 141About 17 miles of gravel through open ranch and foothill country between Highway 200 and Highway 141.
Make it a loop: Take Dalton Mountain Road over to Highway 141, then come back on Nevada Ogden Road, or run it the other way around.
Places worth the drive
Browns Lake and Blackfoot Waterfowl Production Area
Near Ovando, about 30 minutes westReliable for bald eagles and osprey, especially in spring. Sandhill cranes, loons and white pelicans use the marsh, and cranes and trumpeter swans nest on the Waterfowl Production Area next door. Much of it can be seen from the road around the lake.
Rules: The northeast corner of Browns Lake is closed to boats April 1 to July 15. The Waterfowl Production Area is foot travel only, with no dogs April 1 to August 30.
Clearwater Canoe Trail
Near Seeley LakeA 3.5 mile, two hour paddle through a willow marsh with loons, herons and kingfishers. A short walking trail with a wildlife viewing blind follows the river if you’d rather stay on land.
Lincoln Ranger Station
About a mile east of townSee the 830 pound grizzly on display in the lobby and pick up forest maps.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
MissoulaThe Conservation Education Center has interactive exhibits on elk and their habitat. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation visitor info
Watching safely
- Use binoculars or zoom instead of moving closer.
- Never feed wildlife.
- Keep dogs leashed.
- Carry bear spray on trails.
- Store food, trash and pet food properly. Food storage orders apply on the surrounding national forest.
Keep exploring
More to see and do
Open April 15 to October 15
Keep an eye on the meadow.
Book your site and keep your binoculars handy.