Lynch Creek State Wildlife Area

This 100-acre site begins with a short, 1/4-mile trail that leads to a viewing platform overlooking Lynch Creek impoundment. Another trail to the south leads to a grass/forb/shrub peninsula on Lynch Creek. The habitat is mainly cattail marsh, shrubby, bog wetland, and stream with some Red pine forest. Common avian species include the Belted Kingfisher, snipe, flycatchers, swallows, warblers, rail, Great Blue Heron, bitterns, Sandpipers, and many ducks. This is a site for a moonlit walk, since the trail is easy to follow and many of the wetland birds are most active at night.

Directions: From Hayward travel east 20 miles on Hwy. 77, turn north for 5 miles on FR 203, turn west for 1 mile on FR 328, turn south for 1/4-mile on FR 622. You’ll find parking for 3-4 cars on the west side of the road; the trail to the viewing platform is on the east side.

Gazetteer: Page 94, C-4.

Phone: 715/748-4875 (US Forest Service).

Web site: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Rarities: Elk were introduced near here – you may be lucky enough to see one.

Hours: 24/7.

Nearest food & lodging: There are many area resorts and restaurants. Hayward, 25 miles west, offers all services.