The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) is a unique location in Idaho just 35 miles south of Boise. Named after Morley Nelson, a wildlife film director and raptor advocate, this NCA came to be in 1971 after Nelson brought the importance of protecting the birds in the area to the attention of the US government. Since then, this conservation area has grown to over 484,000 acres and is considered home to the greatest concentration of birds of prey, like hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls in the United States.
Not only is this NCA important in the conservation of the habitats of birds of prey but there are multiple national historic places and landmarks within the conservation area. The Crater Rings, two side-by-side, perfectly symmetrical volcanic craters, are a National Natural Landmark located within the NCA along the Snake River. It has also been documented that humans have lived near the river in this area since 10,000 BCE, and today there are preserved petroglyphs from these residents on the rock formations in this NCA. During the 1860s American gold rush, pioneers traveled through this area via the Historic Oregon Trail, and there is evidence of this, as well as three early gold mining communities marked within the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees this area and all of its historic sites to ensure they remain clean and untouched for future generations to enjoy.
The Swan Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail leading up to the popular Swan Falls of the Morley Nelson NCA.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Halverson Lake Trail takes visitors from a desert-like landscape up to the banks of Snake River and back.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This lengthy trail is a challenge for intermediate hikers who want to explore the rocky landscape of Idaho.
Length: 11.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing on the Snake River is best between Swan Falls and Walter's Ferry, where smallmouth bass and catfish are abundant. Those who wish to use motorized boats on the Snake River should use the launch areas around the C.J. Reservoir, which has over 7,000 acres of calm waters. Floating with a non-motorized boat is possible in the reservoir or along the length of Snake River, but it should be noted that this river is rough with some intense rapids. Launch sites along the river are located in the Grand View, Swan Falls Dam, Celebration Park, and Walter's Ferry areas.
Perhaps most visitors to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA come to watch the area's native wildlife in its natural habitat. It is estimated that fifteen different species of raptors make up over 700 pairs of birds in the area year-round. Nine more species come to the area seasonally, and all are known to nest in the tall canyon walls by the river. Also found here are about 200 pairs of prairie falcons, the largest known population of these birds in the US. Spring is the best time for visitors to catch a glimpse of eagles, too, as some report seeing eagles feed their chicks in May and chicks beginning to take flight in June.
Aside from birds of prey, there is a high number of small ground mammals for the birds to prey on. Paiute ground squirrels, black-tailed jackrabbits, and badgers are known to live in the area in unusually high numbers due to the dense soil the Snake River creates for them to burrow in.
There are some rest and recreation areas set up within this NCA for you to use when you visit. Consider setting up your picnic at the Kuna Visitor Center or at the Dedication Point Overlook if you want to bird-watch while you enjoy your meal. You are also allowed to bring your own camping chairs if you'd like to have your picnic in the more undeveloped areas far away from the marked roads. No matter where you choose to have your picnic, be sure to clean up after yourself and never leave anything behind for the birds.
Hunting of small mammals and target shooting are permitted in certain areas of this NCA. If you have a valid hunting permit issued by the state of Idaho, you can try your hand at hunting jackrabbits and squirrels.
If you search for "BLM camping near me" but don't want the primitive experience, consider staying at a privately owned campground nearby. You can try staying at the Black Sands Resort, which has full hookups, boat launches, and an on-site restaurant, or you can look at Cottonwood Campground, which is owned by the Idaho Power Company. These are not Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, so they are not free, but they are still options for RV camping with amenities.
You can take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping options in the Morley Nelson NCA by using the organized campsites at the Cove Recreation Site. This site is primitive and has no hookups, though some sites are large enough to accommodate RVs. Visitors are also allowed to camp overnight within the NCA in a dispersed manner as well so long as they avoid camping in bird nesting areas.
When you plan on visiting or BLM RV camping near this NCA, you'll want to plan ahead and pack for the chilly, wet Idaho weather. You may also want to pack camping supplies like fire starters, firewood, and sleeping supplies. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All visitors to the Morley Nelson NCA are asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace policy, which helps protect the bird species that live there. To comply with these rules, you will need to pick up your trash, avoid interacting with the wildlife, and leave everything where you found it.
To reach the Morley Nelson Birds of Prey NCA from Boise, take I-84 W to ID-69 S, and then travel for eight miles before turning left onto S Swan Falls Road. From there, travel for 19 miles, and then turn left onto the dirt road that leads into the NCA.
Ready to visit Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
