Tamarack Ranch is Logan County's riverside wildlife area

East of Sterling, the South Platte River winds through Logan County, and a long stretch of land along that river corridor makes up Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife Area, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Out on the plains, the river is where much of the country’s life gathers, and Tamarack gives the public a way to spend time along it. Wildlife viewing is among the uses Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists for the area, alongside hunting and fishing, so a quiet day with binoculars is a fair reason to go.

Like other State Wildlife Areas, this is not a park. It is managed first for wildlife and for hunting and fishing, and the usual access rule applies: visitors 16 and older generally need a valid hunting or fishing license, or a State Wildlife Area pass, to be on the property. Tamarack also has its own posted rules — things like access hours, where camping is allowed, and limits during hunting seasons — and those details can change from year to year.

So go, but go informed. A little reading ahead of time keeps the visit easy for you and for the wildlife the area is meant to protect.

For access rules, the pass requirement, and current property regulations, see the Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife Area page from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.