Medicine Lake Wilderness is a remote and rugged landscape of grassy plains, rolling hills, and wetlands that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife in North Dakota.
Medicine Lake is a unique volcanic feature within the wilderness area. The lake is actually a collapsed volcano caldera, resulting in a circular lake surrounded by volcanic cliffs. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and camping around the lake.
Mount Hoffman is the highest peak in the wilderness area, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking to the summit of Mount Hoffman is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
Maligne Canyon is a deep, narrow gorge carved by the Maligne River. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon and marvel at the powerful forces of nature that created this stunning natural feature.
The Medicine Lake Lookout offers panoramic views of the entire wilderness area. Visitors can drive or hike to the lookout point to take in the breathtaking scenery and appreciate the beauty of the Medicine Lake Wilderness.
The Medicine Lake Wilderness is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the area, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.
Description: That Hard to Reach Spot - This Gopher didn't care one iota that my three-ton-truck was growling just inches from him; he had an itch, and he took care of it while chewing on on some crested wheat. Location: Medicine Lake NWR Credit: Jamieson Scott / USFWS Photo Contest Entry #24
Image by USFWS Mountain-Prairie – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Steward of the Prairie - The intrepid gopher, after great interconnected expanses of soil fungi, or swarms of insects, large Gopher populations inhabit this prairie. Location: Medicine Lake NWR Credit: Jamieson Scott / USFWS Photo Contest Entry #23
Image by USFWS Mountain-Prairie – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: As the sun rises above the horizon the peaks are painted with a warm glow. Two Medicine Lake sunrise did not disappoint. The inlet into the lake made some nice ripples in the lake as it entered.
Image by Charles Knowles from Meridian Idaho, USA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge in north-eastern Montana
Image by Chris M Morris – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Approaching Thunder- Unlike many other parts of our Nation, where skyscape views are obstructed by trees, mountains, and higher-density land uses, in the the Northern Prairie one can see whole storm fronts advancing. Location: Medicine Lake NWR Credit: Jamieson Scott / USFWS Photo Contest Entry #21
Image by USFWS Mountain-Prairie – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Medicine Lake Vantage Point - Across great stretches of the Northern Great Plains, leveraged viewing angles are rare. When you find one, you can see for many miles. Location: Medicine Lake NWR Credit: Jamieson Scott / USFWS Photo Contest Entry #22
Image by USFWS Mountain-Prairie – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Piping plover chicks, Medicine Lake Wildlife Refuge.
Image by USDA NRCS – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Piping plover nest, Medicine Lake Wildlife Refuge.
Image by USDA NRCS – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Regal Rascal - The luxurious golden hood of the yellow-headed blackbird may belie the fact that he is indeed very common in our Prarie Pothole wetlands. Location: Medicine Lake NWR Credit: Jamieson Scott / USFWS Photo Contest Entry #20
Image by USFWS Mountain-Prairie – Public domain – Wikimedia