9 Scenic Viewpoints in Alfalfa County - Snap Sunsets & Wildlife in Northwest Oklahoma

Whether you're spotting bald eagles or simply enjoying a sunset, the Great Salt Plains area offers an ever-evolving backdrop of scenic views. Watch Alfalfa County turn into a natural canvas as the sun sets, and come nightfall, well, we'll just have to help you pick your jaw up off the ground.

Scenic Viewpoints in Alfalfa County

• Casey Tower Trail Overlook

• Eagle Roost Trail Observation Deck

• Sandpiper Nature Trail Observation Deck

• Selenite Crystal Digging Area Observation Tower

• George Sibley MOnument

• Dam Overlook at Spillway

• Alfalfa County Fairgrounds

• Carmen Park

• Big Marsh Boardwalk

  
  

Courtesy of Tiffany Gould

Top Spots to Gawk in Alfalfa County

You're never far from a scenic viewpoint in Alfalfa County. You really don't even need to travel to these locations to enjoy uninterrupted sunsets and native wildlife, but these places will get you a little closer to nature and offer the best chances of seeing endangered birds, clear night skies and the landscape that makes up the Great Salt Plains Region.

Courtesy of Meador.org

1. Casey Tower Trail Overlook

Casey Tower Trail Overlook offers one of the best wildlife viewing areas at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. The trail is accessible via Harold F. Miller Auto Tour Route and a quarter-mile walk down Casey Overlook Trail. Open from sunrise to sunset, this scenic viewpoint in Alfalfa County is an ideal spot for morning and evening views, especially during nesting and migration seasons.

Directions to Casey Tower Overlook Trail

2. Eagle Roost Trail Observation Deck

Ideal for birdwatching, Eagle Roost Trail Observation Deck can be found about one mile into Eagle Roost National Recreation Trail.

Read a review: "Went around sunrise and saw and heard so many birds. The photoblind that overlooks the bay is very nice for seeing shorebirds, and towards the marsh, I could see the bald eagles."

Been to Eagle Roost Trail Observation Deck already? Leave a review.

Directions to Eagle Roost National Recreation Trail

3. Sandpiper Nature Trail Observation Deck

Perfect for wildlife photographers, this deck overlooks wetlands where visitors can spot herons, sandpipers and other shorebirds. Deer and coyotes have been seen on the salt flats in the distance. Like other trails at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Sandpiper Nature Trail Observation Deck is open from sunrise to sunset. The deck is accessible via a half-mile walk down the nature trail.

Directions to Sandpiper Nature Trail

Courtesy of Luke Hague

4. Selenite Crystal Digging Area Observation Tower

Near the entrance to the Selenite Crystal Digging Area, the observation towers offers some of the clearest views of night skies and the Milky Way in Alfalfa County, as well as panoramic daytime views of the vast salt flats in the Great Salt Plains region. During crystal digging season, which lasts from April 1 to October 15, visitors can enter the gate of the Selenite Crystal Digging Area and take photos from sunrise to sunset. Outside of digging season, the Observation Tower is accessible just outside the entry gate.

Directions to Selenite Crystal Digging Area

5. George Sibley Monument

See the salt flats as pioneer George Sibley did when he surveyed the land in the early 1800s. A historical marker honors Sibley, and plains and marshlands that surround it offer a peaceful spot to take in the Northwest Oklahoma scenery. George Sibley Monument is accessible from State Highway 11 near Byron State Fish Hatchery.

Directions to George Sibley Monument

Courtesy of Tiffany Gould

6. Dam Overlook at Spillway

By far one of the top spots for sunset views in Alfalfa County, the spillway at Salt Plains State Park is open 24 hours a day with a state park permit. Relax and watch birds by the flowing waterways, and grab your camera for golden hour before sunset. Get complete details about how to get your park permit (it's easy) in Guide to Salt Plains State Park - Camping, Fishing & Activities.

Directions to North Spillway at Salt Plains State Park

7. Alfalfa County Fairgrounds

For clear horizons over Oklahoma's prairies, head to the west side of the Alfalfa County Fairgrounds parking lot in Cherokee. You’ll get unobstructed photographs of some of the most beautiful sunsets on earth. The fairgrounds parking lot is open to the public 24 hours a day. Please be respectful of this public use area by driving slow and keeping your lights and engine off in parking areas, especially when RVers are present.

Directions to Alfalfa County Fairgrounds

8. Carmen Park Sunset Viewpoint

You'll never regret a visit to Carmen Park, especially during sunset. This city park features a lake for fishing, three large community shelters, picnic tables, modern playground equipment and a veterans memorial. Plus, Carmen Swimming Pool, also located at the park, is open during summer. Carmen Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the Fourth of July Celebration, which takes place on July 5th every year. Plan a trip to Alfalfa County for its "Trio of Fourth of July Celebrations." Find out more in A Trio of Fourth of July Celebrations - Visit Alfalfa County for Independance Day.

Directions to Carmen Park

9. Big Marsh Boardwalk

Soak up wide-open views of wetland scenery with a walk up Big Marsh Boardwalk, just off State Highway 11. This scenic viewpoint in Alfalfa County is part of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and sits just down the road from George Sibley Monument and Sandpiper Nature Trail.

Directions to Big Marsh Boardwalk

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or professional selfie-taker, scenic viewpoints in Alfalfa County make excellent backdrops. Grab your camera or your iPhone, and plan a trip to Alfalfa County for your next photographic adventure!