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Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

SH 64 & SH 38 | North of Jet, Oklahoma | 580-626-4794

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is the crown jewel of birding destinations along Oklahoma's Central Flyway. Located north of Jet, Oklahoma, at the intersection of State Highways 64 and 38, this 32,080-acre refuge encompasses a unique landscape of salt flats, shallow marshes, open water, grasslands, and wooded riparian corridors that together support an astonishing diversity of wildlife.

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History of the Refuge

Established in 1930 by Executive Order of President Herbert Hoover, Salt Plains NWR was created to provide a sanctuary for migratory birds along the Central Flyway. The refuge takes its name from the extensive salt flats that dominate the western portion of the property, where saline groundwater seeps to the surface and evaporates, leaving behind a glistening white expanse of crystallized salt.

The Great Salt Plains have been a landmark in the Oklahoma landscape for centuries. Native American tribes, early explorers, and settlers all recognized the unique character of this area. Today, the refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, with the primary mission of conserving habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The Landscape

Salt Plains NWR presents visitors with a remarkably diverse landscape packed into its 32,080 acres:

  • Salt Flats: Approximately 11,000 acres of barren salt flats created by saline springs. This habitat is critical for nesting Snowy Plovers and Least Terns, and attracts large numbers of migrating shorebirds.
  • Salt Plains Lake: A 8,690-acre reservoir created by the damming of the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River. The lake provides habitat for waterfowl, pelicans, gulls, terns, and wading birds.
  • Marshes and Wetlands: Managed wetland units provide shallow water habitat for migrating shorebirds, ducks, and wading birds.
  • Grasslands: Mixed-grass prairie supports grassland birds including meadowlarks, sparrows, and raptors.
  • Woodland Areas: Riparian corridors along streams support songbirds, woodpeckers, and forest-dwelling species.

Birding at Salt Plains NWR

With 312+ documented bird species, Salt Plains NWR ranks among the most diverse birding sites in the Great Plains. The refuge's location at the intersection of grassland and woodland habitats, combined with its extensive wetlands and unique salt flats, creates a mosaic of environments that supports an exceptional variety of birds throughout the year.

Notable Birding Highlights

  • Bald Eagle Nesting: Salt Plains is home to nesting Bald Eagles, with active nests visible from refuge roads. Eagle watching is particularly rewarding from December through March.
  • Whooping Crane Migration: The refuge lies along the migration corridor for the endangered Whooping Crane. These magnificent birds occasionally stop at Salt Plains during spring and fall migration.
  • Shorebird Migration: The salt flats and mudflats attract impressive concentrations of migrating shorebirds, including American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Wilson's Phalaropes, and dozens of sandpiper species.
  • American White Pelican: Large flocks of these spectacular birds frequent Salt Plains Lake during migration, sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
  • Snowy Plover Breeding: The salt flats provide critical nesting habitat for the Snowy Plover, a species of conservation concern.
  • Scissor-tailed Flycatcher: Oklahoma's state bird is common at the refuge during summer months.

Best Birding Locations Within the Refuge

  • Eagle Roost Nature Trail: A 1.25-mile trail through bottomland forest, excellent for songbirds and woodpeckers year-round, and roosting eagles in winter.
  • Sandpiper Trail: A 0.5-mile trail leading to an observation platform overlooking the salt flats, ideal for viewing shorebirds and wading birds.
  • Refuge Auto Tour Route: A driving route through diverse habitats providing excellent roadside birding opportunities.
  • Salt Flats Viewing Area: Overlooks the vast salt flat expanse, particularly productive during shorebird migration.
  • Dam and Spillway Area: Good for waterfowl, pelicans, and gulls.

Crystal Digging

One of Salt Plains NWR's most unique attractions is its crystal digging area, where visitors can dig for hourglass-shaped selenite crystals formed within the salt-saturated sand. These unique crystals, found nowhere else in the world in this formation, contain sand inclusions that create the distinctive hourglass pattern visible when held up to light.

The crystal digging area is open from April 1 through October 15, daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitors are permitted to keep the crystals they find. Bring a shovel, bucket, and water for washing crystals. The digging area is located on the salt flats and can be extremely hot during summer months, so prepare accordingly.

Visitor Information

Directions

  • From Cherokee: Take SH 64 west approximately 15 miles, then north on SH 38
  • From Jet: Take SH 38 north approximately 10 miles to the refuge
  • From Enid: Take US 64 west to SH 38, then north
  • From Oklahoma City: Take I-35 north to US 64 west, then SH 38 north (approximately 2.5 hours)

Facilities and Services

  • Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Contact Station
  • Restroom facilities at select locations
  • Picnic areas
  • Boat ramp (non-motorized boats permitted in designated areas)
  • Fishing permitted in designated areas (Oklahoma fishing license required)

Nearby Services

  • Jet, Oklahoma (10 miles south): Jet Jiffy Trip (SH 38 & 64) for gas, food, and information. Salt Plains Motel (580-626-4646) for lodging.
  • Cherokee, Oklahoma (15 miles east): Cherokee Inn (SH 64 S of Cherokee, 580-596-2828), Hotel Museum (580-596-2960), Cherokee Chamber of Commerce (580-596-3575).
  • Byron Fish Hatchery (15 miles north of Jet on SH 38): 580-474-2663. Additional birding opportunities around hatchery ponds.

Nearby Attractions

  • Great Salt Plains State Park (580-626-4731): Adjacent to the refuge, offers camping, cabins, and additional recreation.
  • Alabaster Caverns State Park: Guided cave tours featuring alabaster formations. Oklahoma State Park with camping available. Located near Freedom, south on SH 50 (580-621-3381).
  • Glass Mountains: Scenic selenite-capped mesas near Fairview. Fairview Chamber (580-227-2258).
  • Boiling Springs State Park: Cabins and golf course near Woodward.
  • Cherokee Strip Museum: NWOSU campus, Alva (580-327-1647).
  • Railroad Museum: 702 N. Washington, Enid (580-233-3051). Free tours of historic railroad cars.
  • Indian Creek Winery Village: Wine tasting and tours (580-883-4919).

Plan Your Visit

For the best birding experience at Salt Plains NWR, plan to arrive early in the morning when bird activity is highest. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the greatest species diversity during peak migration. Winter is excellent for raptors and waterfowl, while summer provides opportunities to observe breeding species and nesting Bald Eagles.

Contact the refuge at 580-626-4794 for current conditions, road access, and wildlife viewing updates. Browse our complete species guide to learn about all 344+ bird species you might encounter during your visit.