Helena Birding Spots

Whether you’re a seasoned “lister” or just starting your birding journey, the Helena Valley is a wonderful place for avian enthusiasts. To get you started, I’ve rounded up six accessible hotspots where you can hone your skills.

Before you head out, keep in mind that certain “everyday companions” like Magpies, Ravens, Robins, and Mallards are practically everywhere here—so consider those your “free spaces” on your birding bingo card! I recommend the Birda and eBird apps become your constant companions. You may also want to keep your binoculars in your car. Good birding to you!

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1. Spring Meadow Lake State Park

Overview: An easy, family-friendly loop with high species diversity. Close to town and 193 species have been recorded at this location over the course of a year.

Address: 2715 Country Club Drive, Helena, MT 59601

• The Surface: Up to 1 mile on flat, paved, or decomposed granite walkways.
• Accessibility: Accessible parking and vault toilets at the trailhead.
• Common Species: Violet-green Swallows, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Goldeneye, and Yellow Warblers.
• Keep an Eye Out For: American White Pelicans, Bullock’s Orioles and an occasional Trumpeter Swan.

2. Prickly Pear Park

Overview: Open spaces, woodlots, and a stream with wetland area. Perfect for spotting a wide variety of birds. Established in 2025 and already 132 species observed.

Location: Just south of East Helena off Highway 287 on Montana Route 518

• The Surface: Up to 2 miles on very gently sloped, weathered granite surfaces.
• Accessibility: Accessible parking and vault toilets at the trailhead.
• Common Species: Western Kingbirds, Mourning Doves, Gray Catbirds, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
• Keep an Eye Out For: Turkey Vultures, Bank Swallows, or the elusive Sora (more often heard than seen).

3. Kmart Wetlands

Overview: A local favorite for waterfowl, warblers, and shorebirds tucked in at the edge of town. About 200 species have been recorded here.

Location: Near theCorner ofCole Ave. and Harris St, Helena, MT 59601

• The Surface: ~1 mile on two-track pathways; includes an optional shrubby woodlot section.
• Accessibility: No facilities on-site.
• Common Species: Ruddy Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Yellow Warblers, and Great Blue Herons.
• Keep an Eye Out For: Sandhill Cranes, Clay Colored Sparrows, or Spotted Sandpipers.

4. Regulating Reservoir

Overview: The large body of water, lots of trees and brush along the shoreline, and rolling grassland make this a significant location in the Helena birding world with over 235 recorded species over the course of a year.

Location: About 8 miles east of Helena on York Road. Watch for signs.

• The Surface: Up to 5 miles if you do the full loop. Wide tracks in some spots, most low, rolling single track trails.
• Accessibility: Accessible parking and vault toilets are available at multiple points.
• Common Species: Western Grebes, Common Loons, Great Blue Herons, and Western Meadowlarks.
• Keep an Eye Out For: Bald Eagles, American Pipits, or Common Nighthawks at dusk.

5. Upper Prickly Pear Fishing Access

Overview: A small riparian retreat perfect for spotting raptors and stream-side species.

Location: Custer Ave east to York Road. Left on York for about a mile, then left onto Olsen Rd. Olsen dead ends at the parking area. Watch for signs.

• The Surface: ~1 mile on trails that can occasionally be uneven.
• Accessibility: Accessible parking and a vault toilet at the trailhead.
• Common Species: Red-tailed Hawks, Belted Kingfishers, Song Sparrows, and Tree Swallows.
• Keep an Eye Out For: American Dippers (Water Ouzel) bobbing in the water or Ospreys overhead.

6. Nature Park

Overview: A reclaimed dredge mining area at the edge of Helena’s urban escape featuring a mix of paved paths and stream-side trails.

Address: 2250 Gold Ave, Helena, MT 59601

• The Surface: ~1 mile on paved pathways with some uneven dirt side-trails.
• Accessibility: No facilities on-site.
• Common Species: Northern Flickers, Western Wood-Pewees, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Western Tanagers.
• Keep an Eye Out For: American Redstarts, Downey Woodpeckers, or Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

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The “Bonus” Spot

Don’t overlook the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds. In mid-May, the woodlot west of the playground becomes a rest stop on the migration highway. You can spot 10–12 different species – like Yellow Warblers, House Wrens, American Redstarts, Common Yellowthroats, and Warbling Vireos. This is a great spot to hone your binocular and/or camera work year-round. The main pond near the entrance has a variety of birds all the time.