Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (5-1) 580.626.4794; http://saltplains.fws.gov  Directions: From the junction of State Highways 11 and 38, go south 2 miles on Highway 38, then 1 mile west to headquarters.  

What to Expect:  As the traveler approaches this Loop, a view of the horizon shows sand dunes with what surely must be the white sands of a beach out beyond the dunes.  Has a wrong turn been made?  Actually the traveler is on track to visit one of the most highly specialized habitat types in the Great Plains – the Salt Plans, the heart of this Loop.  The Salt Plains, a geologic wonder, consists of thin deposits of evaporated salt over mud interrupted by channels and pools of shallow water.  Historically these salt deposits were used by Indian tribes and early pioneers but it wasn’t just the salt that brought people to the salt plains – hundreds of thousands of shorebirds and tens of thousands of geese and waterfowl are dependent on these salty wetlands as a critical stop-over during seasonal migrations.  In addition to Salt Flats, this loop area is comprised of marshes, wooded areas, creeks, mixed-grass prairies and cropland.  For the bird watcher this Loop offers a rich diversity of bird species. 

For more detailed information about this area check out www.greatsaltplains.com.

Lodging: Cherokee: Cherokee Inn, 580.596.2828; Mockingbird Hill Family Retreat, 580.474.2548; Great Salt Plains State Park – cabins, camping, RV, 580.626.4731. Jet:  Jet RV Park, 580.626.4546.

Special Note:  Be aware that cellular phone signal availability is limited within this Loop.  Gas stations are available in Cherokee and Jet; grocery store in Cherokee.

Birding Route:  Start with a full tank of gas and pack a lunch This route includes a mixture of “hot spots”, an auto route, and short walking trails.  Start on the north side of the loop by enjoying a sunrise at the Observation Platform at the Crystal Digging Area (5-1-A).  Next stop, the Shorebird Trail (5-1-B) for a short walk to observation tower with scope.  Next, go 3 miles east on Hwy 11 from Shorebird trail, turn north (left) and go to parking area for Sand Creek Trail (5-1-C).  The old road serves as a trail and follows Sand Creek for ~ 2 miles offering some excellent birding opportunities. This trail does not loop back so you might consider walking halfway or leave another vehicle at the trail exit.  (Note:  this trail is open from April 1 to Oct. 15).  Next, return to Hwy 11 go east to Refuge sign and turn right (south) onto gravel road to Salt Plains NWR (5-1) headquarters for a restroom break and excellent visitor’s center. Check out the plasma TV screen that shows live feed of the nesting activity of a large heron rookery on Ralstin Island.   Hike theWalk Eagle Roost Trail (just below headquarters), a 1 ¼ mile walk which includes Sand Creek Bay overlook.  Next, drive the Harold Miller Auto Route with excellent views of marshes.  This route exits onto Hwy 11.  Turn right (east) onto Hwy 11 drive to Byron Hatchery sign and turn left (north) and follow signs to Byron Hatchery Watchable Wildlife Area (5-2) and walk the ½ mile interpretive trail through marsh, swamp, and mixed-grass prairie.  Return to and cross Hwy 11 then take Hwy 38 south to Great Plains State Park (5-3) which has restrooms, picnic areas, and trails through a variety of habitats.  Go south on Hwy 38 to Jet Recreation Area (5-1-D) open from April 1 to Oct 15.  Next, take a break in Jet at Jet Lion’s Park.  From Jet go west and north on Hwy 64 to Cherokee and follow the signs to Cherokee Nature Park (5-4), a delightful park that really provides habitat for a diversity of birds.  Enjoy dinner in Cherokee!

Off The Beaten Trail:  Bird Avenue (5-5) Only take this route during good weather conditions.  Go ~ 3 miles south of the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy 38 and turn east across from Vining Church onto dirt road.  Go 2 miles east and turn south. This road will join Hwy 38 again. Cross bridge over the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River, stay on paved road for a little over 1 ½ miles and go straight onto dirt road when Hwy takes a sharp right. Go 1 mile and turn east. Follow the Trail signs until you reach the town of Nash.  Good place for a picnic at Nash Lions Park.

Special Wildlife-Viewing Events:  Celebration of Birds Festival and Pelican Festival.  http://saltplains.fws.gov.