Lucky Peak Station

How to get there

Four-wheel or All-wheel-drive high-clearance vehicles required. The road to Lucky Peak is a steep, winding dirt road with a *small* parking area at the top. The road was graded in spring 2024, and is in pretty good shape for the fall season.

Do not drive the road during rain or within 1 hour of rain showers.

Highland Valley Road is a part of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area. These public lands and roadways are not maintained by IBO. Visitors assume all risks associated with accessing our Lucky Peak station and understand that IBO staff do not have the ability to tow/pull your vehicle out of ruts.

From the intersection of Hwy 21 and I-84:, take Hwy 21 North (towards Idaho City). About 3 miles past the top of Lucky Peak Dam, follow the signs for the Archery Range and turn left onto Highland Valley Road (about 3/4 mile before you get to The Hilltop Cafe). Follow this for a total of about 6 miles to our site in the trees just below the radio tower. When our station is open for the fall, there are “Bird Observatory” signs at every important intersection. As you approach the peak, there is a gate. Park in the flat area to the right (beside the outhouse) and walk thru the gate and down the road for about 200 meters to our site in the trees.

View Map Directions

What to Bring

• Seasonal clothes—it can be cold and windy on the peak!
  Be sure to check the weather for Lucky Peak before your visit.
• Binoculars
• Bird Field Guide
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Hat

• Treats for the interns – we love fresh snacks, eggs, or backyard garden veggies!
• Closed-toe shoes for going on net runs and hiking up to hawk watch
• Camera
• Snacks

When to Visit

Songbirds – July to Oct

Songbird Banding at Lucky Peak is open every morning during migration
between July 16 – October 15 weather allowing.

You may arrive any time between 40 minutes after sunrise and 5 hours after sunrise, but the action is usually best in the first half of the morning. Plan to stay at least 1 hour to have the best experience.

Check sunrise times online before your visit.
Want to see our observations from past seasons? Visit our eBird hotspot page.

Raptors – Aug to Oct

Diurnal Raptor activities begin August 25 and run through the end of October from 10am to roughly 6pm. September and the first week of October are the best times to visit for high numbers and species diversity. Visit our HMANA Site Profile to see sighting information from past seasons.

Owls – Early/Mid September

Banding begins on the night of August 28th and continues until October 28th, but mid-September to mid-October are best.

For Flammulated Owls plan on visiting in early/mid September (to maximize your chances). Northern Saw-whet Owls peak from mid-September to mid-October. We do our first net run about an hour after sunset, and then every 45-90 minutes after that.

Plan to arrive before sunset to get acquainted with the terrain and introduce yourself to the crews. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight. Camping at our site is the easiest way to see owls. Register to camp here.

Accessibility

Our main banding site is partially handicap accessible.

The ground around the banding station is fairly level and sandy, so is accessible to most walkers and wheelchairs with assistance. Hawk watch is not fully accessible.

Our station is behind a locked gate that can be opened to allow vehicle or van access. Please email us ahead of time to schedule your visit so that we can be ready to assist with any access needs upon your arrival at the site. If not pre-arranged, one member of your party may walk to camp and request assistance from one of the crew members when you arrive.

Shirts

Did you know we sell shirts? Visit our Bonfire Store to order a t-shirt or sweatshirt today.