Rice Beds Creek Wildlife Area
Rice Beds Creek Wildlife Area is a 3,181-acre property in Polk County. It consists of rolling oak, aspen, and maple upland forest, lowland forest, streams and ponds.
Find it 6 miles northwest of Turtle Lake. Head north on Highway T for 7 miles to Highway G, then travel west for 2 miles. There are five parking areas along Highway G on the south side of the road. To reach the wildlife area from Range, travel north on Highway D for 4 miles to Highway V. The property can be accessed by traveling 1/2 mile east on Highway V to a parking lot on the north side of the road or by continuing to the parking area on Highway D.
No bikes are allowed on the property.
Management Objectives
Rice Beds Creek Wildlife Area was established in 1951 to acquire and protect deer wintering habitat. Later, the project was expanded for multiple use benefits such as upland game, waterfowl and furbearers. The area is popular with deer and grouse hunters because of favorable habitat created by forest management. A well-maintained trail system is accessible from the main parking lot on Highway G. Access is by foot traffic only.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
The Rice Beds Creek Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding;
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
- Hiking;
- Hunting;
- Trapping;
- Wild edibles/gathering; and
- Wildlife viewing.
Note: No bikes are allowed on the property.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.