Outdoor adventures aren’t just for summertime. In fact, fall is a wonderful time of year to get out there and explore Idaho’s inspiring wilderness. Not only does fall bring a colorful change to our state’s landscapes, but it’s also when wildlife can be spotted doing all sorts of amazing things. For instance, right now Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest nesting population of sandhill cranes in the world and seeing them should be a bucket list item for every nature lover. Plan a visit to this beautiful wildlife refuge soon and see the cranes for yourself, or you’ll have to wait until next year!

Located in eastern Idaho near the little-known town of Wayan is the Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge. There's no bad time of year to visit this beautiful refuge, but fall just may be the best time to plan an outing.
USFWS/Flickr
That's because fall is the season when something spectacular happens at Grays Lake. Hundreds of sandhill cranes gather here before moving onto their typical wintering areas in the south. From September to early October, visitors can view up to 3,000 cranes at one time.
USFWS/Flickr
The cranes are a big attraction at Grays Lake. Many visitors come during the fall season, equipped with binoculars and telephoto lenses, to view the sandhill cranes as they make themselves at home in the serene landscape.
Carol Vinzant/Flickr

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The refuge itself is simply stunning and it makes for the perfect backdrop. Considered the largest hardstern bulrush marsh in North America, the gorgeous scenery seems to stretch forever before your eyes.
Carol Vinzant/Flickr
The cranes may be the main attraction but the refuge is home to around 250 other species of birds, so keep your eyes peeled! Some birds that are commonly sighted at Grays Lake include Franklin's gulls, white-faced ibis, and raptors.
Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex/Facebook
If you do make a trip to see the birds, remember to keep your distance and be aware of where viewing is allowed. Access is limited within the refuge in order to give the cranes their space.
Carol Vinzant/Flickr
Embark on a beautiful fall adventure and make plans to see the sandhill cranes this year. These magnificent birds are a sight that's unique to Idaho and it's well worth checking out.
Charles Peterson/Flickr
Learn more about Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge at their website here.

Do you think you’ll make a trip to see the sandhill cranes this year? This is truly a spectacular event…and it happens right here in the Gem State! Check out another great fall adventure when you read about The One Idaho Town That Everybody Must Visit This Fall.

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