Rice Beds Creek Wildlife Area is a 3,181 acre property
located in Polk County. It consists of rolling oak, aspen, and maple
upland forest, lowland forest, stream, and ponds. Find it 6 miles
northwest of Turtle Lake. To reach the property, travel west of Turtle
Lake 5 miles on Hwy 8 to Range. Travel north on Hwy D 4 miles to the
intersection with Hwy V. Property can be accessed by traveling ½ mile
east on Hwy V to a parking lot on the north side of the road. Hwy D
borders the property on the west and has a parking area. Another way to
access the property is, from Turtle Lake, travel north on Hwy T for 7
miles to Hwy G. Travel west on Hwy G for 2 miles. There are 5 parking
areas along Hwy G on the south side of the road.
Property History
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.
Today, there is an active multiple use forest management program
designed to benefit all wildlife but especially deer and ruffed grouse.
A well maintained trail system is accessible from the main parking lot
on Hwy G. Access is by foot traffic only.
Recreation Opportunities
The following recreational opportunities exist at Rice Beds Creek
Wildlife Area: |
