Millerton Lake SRA Eagle Tour

For this field experience we will board an interpretive barge operated by a State Park Ranger and travel out onto the lake. During this three-hour tour we will explore the lake while searching for the majestic Bald Eagle in it’s winter habitat. The tour begins at Boat Ramp #1 at 9:00AM, on the Fresno County side of the park, just east of Historic Fresno County Courthouse. While on the barge, all participants will be required to wear the provided lifejackets. After the tour is completed, we will gather and eat lunch as we make field journal entries, share our observations, and discuss our experience.

After lunch we will experience some local raptors up close and personal as Master Falconer, Environmental Educator, and California Naturalist Cat Krosschell introduces her Wildlife Ambassadors. Gain insights on specific adaptations and the unique survival skills of these amazing birds.

This is the ramp used to access the barge which is shown on the right.

There is parking within close walking distance of the boat ramp. The barge does have wheelchair access. If you need this accommodation, please make this clear when you sign up for this experience; the State Park staff would need to know this prior to the day of the experience so the barge seating area can be reconfigured. 

Image by Dale Matson

•  Before traveling, please review, take a screenshot, and/or print directions. Your GPS may not work when in the area.
• Be prepared to pay the Day Use fee at the entrance booth.
• Dress appropriate for a range of weather conditions. Layered clothing is suggested.  Consider bringing sunscreen, a handkerchief, and hat.
• You should bring water, snacks, and your lunch. 
• Bring your field/nature journal, writing/journaling tools.
• Feel free to bring binoculars and cameras.
• Note:  Wifi and phone service may be limited

The area is 20 miles northeast of Fresno via Highway 41 and Highway 145. 

If coming from the North:

Take the 99S toward Madera to the 145 N into Fresno County. You will pass the 41 HWY where there is a Park & Ride. Continue on until you come to Road 206. Turn right onto Road 206. Take Road 206 into the town of Friant and turn left at the light, you will now be on Millerton Rd. Look for the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area on your left, there will be a sign directing you to turn in. If you reach the Table Mountain Casino you have gone too far. Boat Ramp #1 is on the south side of dam, off Millerton Road at Crows Rest Picnic Area.

If coming from the South:

Take the 99 N toward Fresno to the 41 N. Take 41 N to the Friant Road exit and turn right onto Friant Road. Take Friant Road into the town of Friant. When you come to the light, go straight (toward the dam). As you go through the light you will now be on Millerton Rd. Look for the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area on your left, there will be a sign directing you to turn in. If you reach the Table Mountain Casino you have gone too far. Boat Ramp #1 is on the south side of dam, off Millerton Road at Crows Rest Picnic Area.