A celebration of the
Bear River cutthroat trout, White Faced ibis, Fireflies, Monarch butterfly & Old Ephraim
City of Logan, Cache County
Little Logan River Tunnel in Merlin Olsen Park
Located along the Little Logan River in Merlin Olsen Park in downtown Logan, the Bear River Cutthroat & Little Logan River Tunnel Mural was commissioned with support from multiple partners. The mural features Bear River cutthroat trout, monarch butterflies, white-faced ibis, fireflies, and a tribute to Utah’s last grizzly bear, Old Ephraim. The mural- 30 feet across, 15 feet tall and 100 feet long - was completed in November 2024, and wraps around the tunnel walls, celebrating the Logan River drainage and the rich diversity of species that depend on healthy riparian ecosystems. It also serves as a reminder of the seasonal rhythms of the ecosystem, with many of the featured species best viewed at specific times of year.
This Wildlife Walls project was a collaboration.
This project was made possible through partnerships with Utah Cutthroat Slam, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Trout Unlimited, City of Logan, Cache Anglers, Western Native Trout Initiative & Bridgerland Audubon Society. This mural is part of this statewide project to install monumental murals in every county of Utah. A QR code is installed on each mural to educate visitors about the species and provide recommendations for nearby firsthand wildlife encounters. ​​
The Bear River cutthroat trout is another native fish found in Utah’s waters, yet it has quite the unique biological history. Residents and anglers of Cache County are likely very familiar with these beautiful native trout as they inhabit many of the rivers and tributaries near Logan, such as the Logan River, Blacksmith Fork, and of course, the Bear River itself.
Bear River cutts are known for their voracious appetites and can grow to impressive sizes when in their lake-dwelling form (which is why they can also be called Bear Lake cutthroat trout). Because of their piscivorous nature (meaning they feast on smaller fish) they are actually utilized in some of Utah’s lakes to control invasive Utah chub populations. They also have a very distinct appearance once they become lake-dwellers, getting a very silvery almost blueish body and bright orange fins. Their blueish hue is one reason they have been nicknamed “bluenose trout.”
Though research strongly suggests these fish are their own distinct subspecies, the greater scientific community has yet to embrace the change and often lumps the Bear River subspecies together with our state’s Bonneville cutthroat trout. This is likely because the present day Bear River terminates in the Great Salt Lake within the Bonneville Basin, making it seem like these fish would be relatives of the Bonnevilles. However, these Bear River cutthroat actually evolved on a separate path.
Over 20,000 years ago, dynamic volcanic activity was able to reroute the original course of the Bear River. Water that used to flow northward into the Snake River, now was redirected west towards the Great Salt Lake. This means our Bear River cutthroat are actually closer related to the Yellowstone cutthroat trout native to the Snake River drainage, rather than to the Bonneville cutthroat of the Bonneville Drainage. Hopefully these cutthroat can someday be officially recognized as a distinct subspecies and receive their own scientific name, as they currently lack one.
Bear River cutthroat trout
Where to find Bear River cutthroat trout
The native range of the Bear River cutthroat trout includes the Bear River drainage of Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, with its historical distribution extending into Bear Lake and its tributaries. While these fish were once widespread throughout the basin, habitat loss and competition from non-native species has reduced their numbers. Thanks to conservation efforts, their populations have been restored in several key waterways.
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Logan River: The Logan River- particularly the stretch from 3rd Dam upstream to the headwaters,and its tributaries including the Right Hand Fork, Temple Fork, and Spawn Creek- supports one of Utah’s strongest populations of Bear River cutthroat and is managed specifically for native trout. Access off of Highway 89.
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Bear Lake: Bear Lake is managed as a trophy fishery for Bear River cutthroat, offering year-round angling opportunities.
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Upper Bear River Headwaters (Uinta Mountains): The East Fork, West Fork, Stillwater Fork, Hayden Fork, and Mill Creek, all tributaries of the Bear River, host healthy populations of native Bear River cutthroat.
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We encourage practicing catch-and-release for these special, often restored populations. Proper fish-handling techniques can greatly improve their chances of survival. Keep your fish in the water as much as possible, and wet your hands before handling them to remove the hook, take photos, and release them. Using a rubber net helps protect their slime coat, and minimizing their time out of the water will further ensure their survival. Thank you for doing your part to protect and care for these beautiful native trout!
Have Fun and Help Protect Utah’s Native Cutthroat Trout with the Utah Cutthroat Slam
The Utah Cutthroat Slam is a challenge to catch, photograph and released at least 1 of each of Utah’s 4 cutthroat trout subspecies in their native waters. Since 2016, the program has raised more than $100,000 for cutthroat conservation in Utah. Register here to start the challenge!
White Faced ibis
The white-faced ibis is a long-legged wading bird commonly found in Utah’s wetlands, especially during migration. They can be identified by an iridescent green and chestnut plumage, a long down-curved bill, and a distinctive white border around its face in breeding season. They forage in shallow water for insects, small crustaceans, and invertebrates, and are often seen in large flocks moving through marshes and flooded fields.
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White-faced ibis breed in colonies near freshwater marshes and nest in tall vegetation like bulrushes or cattails.
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They are migratory, typically returning to Utah from Central and South America in early spring.
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Their curved bills allow them to probe the mud for aquatic insects, worms, and small snails.
Where to see White Faced ibis in Utah
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Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge: One of the best locations in the western U.S. for viewing white-faced ibis, especially from April through July.
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Cutler Marsh: Just downstream of Logan, this rich wetland complex provides excellent habitat for ibis and dozens of other waterbird species.
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Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge: Located on the south extreme of the Great Salt Lake Desert, this remote wetland supports seasonal ibis populations and offers quiet, uncrowded birding opportunities.
Monarch Butterflies
The monarch butterfly is one of the most well-known migratory insects in North America. In Utah, monarchs pass through primarily during their fall migration from the northern U.S. and Canada to overwintering sites in Mexico. They rely exclusively on milkweed to lay their eggs and for caterpillar development. Due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, monarch populations have declined significantly in recent decades, leading to increased efforts by conservation groups and citizen scientists to restore and protect milkweed habitats.
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Monarchs are most commonly seen in Utah from late August through early October.
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Their bright orange and black coloration warns predators of their toxicity, which comes from compounds in the milkweed they consume as caterpillars.
Monarch Watch, the Audubon Society, and other organizations encourage the planting of native milkweed to support migration.
Where to find Monarch Butterflies in Utah
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Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter: This high-elevation wetland complex near Park City has milkweed and other flowering plants, making it a useful stopover for monarchs during migration. Educational signage and trails make it a great family-friendly destination.
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Red Cliffs Desert Reserve: This southern Utah reserve has documented monarch sightings during fall migration and offers interpretive trails where milkweed often blooms.
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Ogden Nature Center: This urban nature preserve has pollinator gardens and milkweed patches that attract monarchs and other butterflies during late summer and early fall.
Fireflies
Fireflies are a rare but magical summer sight in Utah. These bioluminescent beetles use synchronized flashes of light to attract mates. Most firefly sightings occur near marshes, streams, and moist meadows where larvae can develop safely in the soil. In Utah, firefly activity is limited to a handful of known locations, and populations are monitored by community scientists through programs such as Firefly Watch hosted by the Natural History Museum of Utah. Because fireflies are highly sensitive to habitat disturbance and artificial light, their presence is an important indicator of healthy, intact ecosystems.
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Fireflies typically emerge in mid-to-late June, shortly after sunset, especially following warm, rainy weather.
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Larvae live in moist soil and prey on snails and slugs, acting as a natural pest control.
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Excessive outdoor lighting can disrupt firefly communication, so light pollution management is critical for their survival.
Where to see Fireflies in Utah
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Logan River near Nibley Park: One of the best-known firefly habitats in Utah, this riverside park is typically active during June evenings. Visitors are advised to stay on trails and avoid using flashlights.
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Thompson Century Farm: This family farm located in Spanish Fork has been a place to see fireflies since 1832.
Old Ephraim: Utah's last wild grizzly bear
Old Ephraim was the last known grizzly bear in Utah and became a legendary figure in local folklore. He roamed the Bear River Range near Logan in the early 20th century before being killed in 1923. Known for his enormous size, he reportedly stood over 9 feet tall. You can visit his grave sight in Logan Canyon where he was shot and killed.
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Grizzly bears were extirpated from Utah by the 1920s due to hunting and habitat loss.
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They are now primarily found in the Northern Rockies, where they are federally protected and monitored.
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Grizzlies play a keystone role in ecosystems by dispersing seeds, cycling nutrients, and regulating prey populations.
Where to Learn more about Old Ephraim and Utah's grizzlies
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Old Ephraim’s Grave: A stone monument in Logan Canyon marks the site where Old Ephraim was killed. The hike to the site is accessible in summer and early fall.
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Bear River Range: While no longer inhabited by grizzlies, the Bear River Range offers a sense of the vast wilderness that once supported apex predators. Visit for hiking, wildlife viewing, and reflection.
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Bart the Bear Mural: Visit the Bart the Bear Mural in Heber to learn about Utah’s other famous grizzly.
Little Logan River Wildlife Tunnel Mural
Designed and installed by Chris Peterson Studio
A Tunnel Mural in the Heart of Downtown Logan
The mural was funded by the Utah Cutthroat Slam – a partnership between the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Trout Unlimited, Western Native Trout Initiative, Bridgerland Audubon, Cache Anglers and the City of Logan.
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The project received seed funding from the Utah Cutthroat Slam in early 2024 to install a Bear River cutthroat trout mural somewhere in its native range. Bridgerland Audubon Society contacted Wildlife Walls and connected the City of Logan into the planning. Other sites in Logan were discussed, and there were other less logistically challenging walls we talked about. Logan City, however was keenly interested in the tunnel and helped us identify additional funds through the Arts Council and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to put art in the tunnel.
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A grant was written to Western Native Trout Initiative for some of the funds, Cache Anglers pitched in, and Bridgerland Audubon pitched in funds and expertise involving which species were selected for the walls.
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Chris Peterson designed the mural, seeking to incorporate all the interests of the partners into the concept. The focal point of the mural is the 75 foot Bear River cutthroat trout on the north wall. The trout is connected by a constellation night sky to the trial side of the mural, which features a spatial map of the Logan River drainage, including the path of the historic Little Logan River and a few of the many species found between the headwaters and the Great Salt Lake. White faced Ibis, Fire Flies, Monarch butterflies, and Old Ephraim are featured in the concept.
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The mural was painted in October/November 2024 by Chris Peterson, with assistance from Andalyn Billings, Rae and Trevor Walker, Louisa Stowers, and Uno Pelavacas. During spraying phases, the river was covered with a webbing of parachute cord and sheet of plastic to minimize paint spray pollution into the watershed. The painting process included wading in the river, climbing ladders and scaffolding, and a boom lift driven up and down the tunnel a hundred times.
On November 12, Logan City hosted a mural unveiling with more than a hundred community members showing up to see the new mural.
From the Artist
“I was hesitant to take on this project due to the major logistical challenges it presents. The presence of the river within the painting space required a lot more preparation and care throughout the process. It also provided an incredible additional element to the mural that I didn't plan for. Due to the orientation of the mural, the morning and evenings saw sunlight shining into the tunnel and reflecting off of the water in the tunnel. This led to intense reflections and color across the painted surface. The canal company drains it November through April, but if you can catch it in those golden hours with water in the riverbed, this mural offers unique perceptual experiences for visitors in the tunnel." -chris peterson
Celebrate Utah's wildlife with big art and wildlife encounters across the state on the Wildlife Walls Mural Trail.
Always observe wildlife from a distance, stay on marked trails, and never feed wild animals.
Nearby Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
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Bear Lake cutthroat trout @ Cisco Beach: On the southeast shore of Bear Lake, Cisco Beach is known for its deep-blue waters and cold temperatures, ideal for spotting Bear Lake cutthroat trout spawning season in early spring.
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Birdwatching @ Rainbow Canal Trail: This paved trail runs through Logan. Look out for red-winged blackbirds, American coots, and great blue herons. Bring binoculars and go during early morning hours.
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Sandhill cranes and songbirds @ Stokes Nature Center: Located in Logan Canyon, the nature center and its surrounding trails offer year-round wildlife viewing. In spring and fall look for sandhill cranes, warblers, and other migrating songbirds.
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Raptors @ Deep Canyon Trailhead: Just northeast of Logan, this trail climbs takes visitors to high elevations where golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and even peregrine falcons can be seen soaring overhead. Look for them gliding along updrafts or perched on cliffs during midday hours.
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Migrating shorebirds @ Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge: About an hour southwest of Logan, this massive wetland complex hosts thousands of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl in spring and fall. The auto-tour route is ideal for viewing avocets, phalaropes, ibises, and more.
The Wildlife Walls Mural Trail links 14 wildlife murals and 100+ wildlife viewing areas.
The Mural Trail was created to inspire people to get outside; Travel the Mural Trail across Utah’s spectacular landscape to visit epic murals AND enjoy diverse wildlife encounters of your own.
Hit the Mural Trail, share on social media, and tag us & hashtag: #wildlifewalls
For a chance at $5000 cash grand prize and many more prizes from our project sponsors.
ZOOM IN!
to 100+ wildlife viewing areas across Utah
Wildlife Walls Mural Trail Map
Plan your trip
Travel Amenities
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Bathrooms and Water: Available at the Logan Canyon visitor center, Stokes Nature Center, and key trailheads along Highway 89.
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Accommodations: Logan offers hotels, vacation rentals, and camping in Logan Canyon or at Bear Lake State Park.
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Fuel and Supplies: Gas stations, grocery stores, and local restaurants are available in Logan, and there are outdoor gear shops downtown for any last-minute needs.
While in Logan, Consider Exploring:
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Bear River Range: Stretching along the Utah-Idaho border, this mountain range has rugged hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Check out trails like the Wind Caves and White Pine Lake.
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Old Ephraim’s Grave: This site marks the spot where Old Ephriam, Utah’s last known grizzly bear, was killed in 1923. A short hike leads to an 11-foot stone monument commemorating the legendary bear.
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Stokes Nature Center: Located in Logan Canyon, this nature center has exhibits, guided hikes, and educational programs focused on local wildlife and conservation.
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Bear Lake: Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise waters, Bear Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. It’s about 45 minutes from Logan and well worth the drive for a day trip.
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Time to Visit: Summer through early fall offers ideal weather for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Fireflies typically emerge in June, and monarch butterflies are most visible in late summer.
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Be Prepared: Pack sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, binoculars, and plenty of water. If venturing into Logan Canyon or the Bear River Range, check weather forecasts and trail conditions before you go.
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Respect Wildlife and Cultural Sites: Stay on marked trails, observe wildlife from a distance, and never disturb petroglyphs, fossils, or historical landmarks like Ephraim’s Grave.
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