- Region
- ND, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current access rules and any permi…
- Managed by
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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Chase Lake Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Chase Lake Wilderness
How to get there
Plan access using adjacent county and township roads, and confirm conditions with the Chase Lake Wetland Management District at 701-752-4218. The Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge Pass road, also known as 48½ Ave SE and 49th Ave SE, is posted closed until further notice because of unsafe road conditions. A closure sign is located at 24th Street SE and 48½ Ave SE. Gravel roads and prairie trails may be impassable during adverse weather; do not rely on the closed road for an approach.
- Adjacent county and township roads
Roadside observation provides views across the refuge's rolling hills and opportunities to watch pelicans flying to and from nearby wetlands. Use only roads that are open and passable; roadside viewing does not establish permission to enter the refuge.
- 24th Street SE and 48½ Ave SE
This intersection marks the posted closure of the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge Pass road. It is a closure location, not an open wilderness entrance. Contact the Chase Lake Wetland Management District before planning an approach in this area.
Sources: fws.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
ND, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Safari
- Canoeing
- Photography
A prairie-and-water wilderness
Chase Lake Wilderness protects 4,155 acres within Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota. Designated in 1975, it occupies all but 230 acres of the refuge. The setting is the Missouri Coteau: sharply rolling hills, numerous wetlands, and open grassland with very few trees. Across the refuge, water and grassland habitats are roughly evenly divided. Short- and mid-grass prairie includes blue grama, green needlegrass, and wildflowers. This is primarily a place to study a prairie wetland landscape and its birds, rather than assume unrestricted backcountry access. Wilderness designation protects the area's character, but visitor access is limited. Views from adjacent county and township roads offer a practical way to see the rolling terrain without entering sensitive refuge habitat.
Pelicans and other colonial waterbirds
American white pelicans are the main wildlife draw at Chase Lake, which supports one of North America's largest nesting colonies. Colony numbers fluctuate substantially, from 4,000 to 35,000 birds, so the scale of activity can differ from year to year. From adjacent roads, visitors can scan for nesting pelicans and watch adults flying between the refuge and nearby feeding wetlands. Binoculars or a spotting scope suit this distant-viewing approach better than trying to move closer. Egrets, herons, and gulls also nest here, alongside double-crested cormorants and both white-faced and glossy ibis. The refuge is managed for migratory bird nesting habitat. Keep observations low-impact and avoid approaching nesting birds; a useful visit does not depend on reaching the colony itself.
Plan around limited access and road conditions
Treat access planning as part of the visit, not something to settle after arriving. Some refuge areas allow wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, and hunting, but that does not mean the entire wilderness is open to those activities. Confirm current open areas and entry requirements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before leaving. The refuge's posted road notice closes the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge Pass road until further notice because of unsafe conditions. That road is also known as 48½ Ave SE and 49th Ave SE. Surrounding roads are gravel or prairie trails and may become impassable in adverse weather. Allow flexibility in the day's plan, carry water, and prepare for weather exposure in open grassland with little tree cover.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Chase Lake Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 47.0073, -99.4455
- Latitude (DMS)
- 47° 0′ 26.4″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 99° 26′ 43.7″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Chase Lake Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
If you were to tally up all of the white pelicans that nest on two islands in this isolated alkali lake, you'd find more than 20,000, one of the largest colonies in North America. That figure is all the...
Key takeaways
- Region: ND, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 47.007, -99.445
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Chase Lake Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Birdwatching
Migration windows and the habitat that concentrates birds.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Safari
Game drives and the seasons that concentrate animals.
Animals around Chase Lake Wilderness
A prairie-and-water wilderness
Chase Lake Wilderness protects 4,155 acres within Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota. Designated in 1975, it occupies all but 230 acres of the refuge. The setting is the Missouri Coteau: sharply rolling hills, numerous wetlands, and open grassland with very few trees. Across the refuge, water and grassland habitats are roughly evenly divided. Short- and mid-grass prairie includes blue grama, green needlegrass, and wildflowers. This is primarily a place to study a prairie wetland landscape and its birds, rather than assume unrestricted backcountry access. Wilderness designation protects the area's character, but visitor access is limited. Views from adjacent county and township roads offer a practical way to see the rolling terrain without entering sensitive refuge habitat.
Pelicans and other colonial waterbirds
American white pelicans are the main wildlife draw at Chase Lake, which supports one of North America's largest nesting colonies. Colony numbers fluctuate substantially, from 4,000 to 35,000 birds, so the scale of activity can differ from year to year. From adjacent roads, visitors can scan for nesting pelicans and watch adults flying between the refuge and nearby feeding wetlands. Binoculars or a spotting scope suit this distant-viewing approach better than trying to move closer. Egrets, herons, and gulls also nest here, alongside double-crested cormorants and both white-faced and glossy ibis. The refuge is managed for migratory bird nesting habitat. Keep observations low-impact and avoid approaching nesting birds; a useful visit does not depend on reaching the colony itself.
Plan around limited access and road conditions
Treat access planning as part of the visit, not something to settle after arriving. Some refuge areas allow wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, and hunting, but that does not mean the entire wilderness is open to those activities. Confirm current open areas and entry requirements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before leaving. The refuge's posted road notice closes the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge Pass road until further notice because of unsafe conditions. That road is also known as 48½ Ave SE and 49th Ave SE. Surrounding roads are gravel or prairie trails and may become impassable in adverse weather. Allow flexibility in the day's plan, carry water, and prepare for weather exposure in open grassland with little tree cover.
Route options
- Roadside birdwatching along adjacent roads
Use open county and township roads for distant views of the lake landscape, nesting pelicans, and adults traveling to feeding wetlands. This is a flexible roadside viewing option, not a marked loop; road closures and weather determine where travel is possible.
- Hiking in confirmed open refuge areas
Some refuge areas are open to hiking and wildlife photography. Ask refuge staff which areas are currently accessible and what entry requirements apply before planning a walk. Do not assume there is a designated trail or that hiking access extends throughout the wilderness.
Sample itineraries
- Roadside Pelican Watch · 1 day
Confirm road conditions with Chase Lake Wetland Management District, then watch from accessible adjacent county and township roads. Scan the refuge’s rolling hills and look for pelicans flying between nesting areas and nearby feeding wetlands. Avoid the closed Refuge Pass road.
- Prairie and Waterbird Photography · 1 day
Plan a photography-focused visit to Chase Lake’s prairie and wetland landscape. Confirm which refuge areas are open before including any walking. Use distant views for waterbird photography, keep clear of nesting colonies, and remain outside the islands.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; check current conditions before departure
Wet-weather access deserves particular attention. Gravel roads and prairie trails may become impassable in adverse weather. Confirm road status and open viewing areas rather than assuming a mapped road provides access.
Summer
Summer; confirm bird activity before travel
The largely treeless prairie offers little shelter. Bring sun protection and drinking water. Observe nesting waterbirds from a distance; colony size varies substantially between years.
Fall
Fall; confirm viewing opportunities before travel
Plan around current bird activity rather than expecting nesting-season numbers. Exposed prairie and rolling hills make weather protection useful. Adverse weather can affect gravel-road and prairie-trail access.
Winter
Winter; verify road access before departure
Treat this as an exposed prairie outing, with warm layers and a conservative weather plan. Do not assume roads or prairie trails are passable. Confirm conditions with refuge staff before setting out.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; check current conditions before departure | Wet-weather access deserves particular attention. Gravel roads and prairie trails may become impassable in adverse weather. Confirm road status and open viewing areas rather than assuming a mapped road provides access. |
| Summer | Summer; confirm bird activity before travel | The largely treeless prairie offers little shelter. Bring sun protection and drinking water. Observe nesting waterbirds from a distance; colony size varies substantially between years. |
| Fall | Fall; confirm viewing opportunities before travel | Plan around current bird activity rather than expecting nesting-season numbers. Exposed prairie and rolling hills make weather protection useful. Adverse weather can affect gravel-road and prairie-trail access. |
| Winter | Winter; verify road access before departure | Treat this as an exposed prairie outing, with warm layers and a conservative weather plan. Do not assume roads or prairie trails are passable. Confirm conditions with refuge staff before setting out. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access rules and any permission requirements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Chase Lake Wetland Management District at 701-752-4218.
Official source: Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- The Refuge Pass road, also known as 48½ Ave SE and 49th Ave SE, is closed until further notice because of unsafe road conditions. A closure sign is posted at 24th Street SE and 48½ Ave SE.
- Gravel roads and prairie trails may be impassable during adverse weather; verify conditions before driving.
- Sharp rolling hills and largely treeless prairie provide limited shelter from storms and exposure.
- Approaching nesting colonies risks disturbing waterbirds. Keep observations distant and do not enter the islands.
What to pack for Chase Lake Wilderness
- Binoculars
- Spotting scope
- Camera with a long lens
- Windproof and waterproof outer layer
- Season-appropriate insulating layers
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Offline road map
- Refuge contact information
- Sturdy walking footwear for areas confirmed open
- Basic emergency supplies
Chase Lake Wilderness FAQ
- What distinguishes Chase Lake Wilderness?
- The 4,155-acre wilderness occupies most of Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota. Its Missouri Coteau landscape combines sharp rolling hills, prairie, and wetlands with one of North America’s largest American white pelican nesting colonies.
- Where can visitors watch pelicans?
- Adjacent county and township roads provide views across the refuge and opportunities to watch pelicans flying to and from nearby feeding wetlands. Use only accessible roads and confirm current conditions before visiting.
- Can visitors hike throughout the refuge?
- No. Access is limited, and only some areas are open for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and hunting. Confirm the areas available for your planned activity with refuge staff before entering.
- Can visitors reach the nesting islands?
- Island access is prohibited. Plan to observe waterbirds from a distance using binoculars or a spotting scope.
- Is the mapped wilderness point an access location?
- No. The point at 47.007328, -99.44548 lies inside the wilderness boundary. It is not a trailhead, campsite, or access point.
- How many pelicans nest here?
- The nesting colony fluctuates from about 4,000 to 35,000 birds between years. Those figures describe the colony, not the number a visitor should expect to see during an outing.