Natural History

Travelers’ Rest State Park is home to a remarkable diversity of plants and animals: 

• More than 130 species of birds have been sighted within the Park’s 65 acres.
• Cottonwood trees line the banks of Lolo Creek and stand as markers of earlier configurations of the creek. 
• River otters play in the rushing waters, while beavers work to slow the current.
• Enormous anthills demonstrate the collective efforts of these tiny residents of the park.
• Native plants war with invasive species like spotted knapweed, leafy spurge, ox-eyed daisy, and common tansy.
• Lolo Creek is an historic bull-trout fishery. Many groups and individuals are working to preserve the habitat of this threatened species.

Video Highlights of 2023 at Travelers’ Rest State Park