Idaho Vacation: Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area



Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area
June 15, 2011

 Here is another Idaho vacation destination that is somewhat season sensitive.  In spring and early summer, the Camas Prairie Centennial Wildlife Management Area is a 3,000+ acre wetland but is usually dry by mid-July and thereafter.  During the wet season, the area is home to thousands of waterfowl.  In late May through mid-June the area is a huge sea of incredible azure blue/purple as the Camas Lily (Camassia quamash) blooms.

My wife and I visited the marsh this past week and the camas bloom had peaked for the year but there is still fantastic color throughout the marsh.  The sun was setting as we approached the marsh so we were limited in the photos we were able to capture. 


Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area
June 15, 2011


As incredible as the camas bloom is, viewing waterfowl is equally as impressive.  There are many species that allow one to get very close and bird watching and photography is popular.  Early and late in the daylight hours are best for this activity.  I won't try to list all the waterfowl that visit this oasis. 



Yellow-headed Blackbird
(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
 at Centennial Marsh



The marsh gets its water from Camas Creek which overflows from spring snowmelt.  The water level drops considerably by mid summer and the marsh is mostly dry the remainder of the year.  Numerous animals use the marsh and it is common to see antelope, deer, and elk grazing in the marsh at any time of the year.  We saw antelope when we visited this week. 



American Avocet
(Recurvirostra americana)
 at Centennial Marsh

 The marsh is located just SE of the Hill City townsite.  If traveling from the west, go 45 miles on US 20 NE of Mountain Home to Hill City.  Just past Hill City is the sign for the Centennial Wildlife Management Area (WMA).  Turn south on Swamp Road for approximately 4 miles to a T intersection on Stokes Road, turn left (east) and go approximately 3 miles,  the road turns north for the last mile.  There is an rough single lane road leading to the center of the marsh.  Passenger cars will have no trouble on the road.  If coming from the east, go 8.7 miles west of Fairfield and watch for the WMA sign near Wolf Lane, turn left onto Wolf Lane and go approximately 5 miles to 500 South, turn left (west) and go another mile to the marsh.



Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area
June 15, 2011

 Click here and here for additional information.  Because of the relatively remote location, this site is not crowded.  There are few tourist services between Mountain Home and the  marsh so be prepared with any supplies needed.  All services are available in Fairfield.





Sunset Over Centennial Marsh june 15, 2011