The Binocular Site
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest covers nearly 1.3 million acres, and a wide range of diverse habitats. Wilderness and forest are most abundant, with a fabulous display of vegetation and colors.
Originally known as Wasatch-Cache, this preserve absorbed its neighboring Uinta National Forest in August 2007, and now stretches into Wyoming and Idaho as well as Utah.
Albion Basin is particularly resplendent in magnificently colored wildflowers throughout spring, summer, and fall. Pineview Reservoir is another favorite spot that attracts over 750000 human visitors each year. And the High Uintas Wilderness Area is, by contrast, remote and peaceful, offering a refreshing escape from the rat race.
The refuge hosts eight byways in total, with spectacular scenery and easy access for motor vehicles. These byways loop gracefully through many canyon ranges, offering unique birdwatching opportunities. Here ducks, geese, pelicans, egrets, grebes, herons, cranes, and other shorebirds are easily seen.
Wander through the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, and follow Forest Service Road 003, to find Tony Grove; here you will find a sizable yet lovely campground including a lake fit for canoeing. A multitude of other trails lead you on a wilderness adventure, offering spectacular views and excellent birdwatching opportunities as well. See the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest website for more information.
The state bird of Utah is the California Gull and you can find a birding checklist for Utah here.
Photo credit to sniffette, used with permission under the creative commons license.
If you've visited Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Utah birding location below.
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Average User Rating
The National forest is beautiful. The best time to visit is fall when the colors of the aspen and maple trees contrast with the evergreens. I've stayed and camped several times in Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Uintas. And they are both very nice.
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