Rose Valley Lake
Overview
Rose Valley Lake is a 389 acre reservoir managed by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Electric and unpowered boats are allowed on the lake. The lake has three boat launches with parking and numerous other pulloffs to park and bird. Despite being isolated, it is a very common spot to bird and often the best place to check when storms and hurricanes move through. The only restroom facilities are porta-potties at the boat launches spring through fall. The lake completely freezes most winters — usually thick enough for ice fishing.
Most birding is done in the area around the south boat launch and south causeway, along with the east side of the lake from the east boat launch around to the north causeway and boat launch. The west side of the lake is not easily accessible. For "scoping" the lake for waterfowl, etc., the south boat launch and small clay lot are typically the best spots.
The roads are narrow, so please only park at pull-offs and parking areas, and avoid stopping on roads — especially on the causeways (there is parking near both causeways, so there's no need to stop on them).
Directions
From Route 15, take the Trout Run exit to 14 then take the first right onto Trout Run Mountain Rd. Follow that road until its end in 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Rose Valley Rd. In a half mile turn right onto T691 to go to the south launch. Alternatively, stay on Rose Valley Rd. another 1.5 miles and turn right onto Lake Rd. to go to the north end of the lake.
From the south, there are a few options:
In the Williamsport area, take Bloomingrove Rd. to Rose Valley Rd. and then turn right onto T691 to go to the south launch — or stay on Rose Valley Rd. another 1.5 miles and turn right onto Lake Rd. to go to the north end of the lake.
In the Loyalsock area, take Northway Rd. to Pleasant Valley Rd. and then quickly get onto Sugar Camp Rd. Take the hard left onto T691 to head to the south launch or take the left onto Lake Rd. to head to the east launch or to the north end of the lake.
In the Montoursville Area, take Rte. 87 to Rte. 973, then turn right onto Warrensville Rd., which becomes Pleasant Valley Rd. Continue to Sugar Camp Rd. Take the hard left onto T691 to head to the south launch or take the left onto Lake Rd. to head to the east launch or to the north end of the lake.
Species of Note
Waterfowl
One of the best spots in the county to see a huge variety of waterfowl including rarities. Rainstorms during migration, especially early April, put down a huge number of birds.
King Eider - 12/4/2016 © David Brown
Terns
One of the most consistent spots in the area for terns, particularly on rainy days in April and early May.
Warblers
Lots of great habitat all around the lake
Anything and everything
Except for Mill St., which is more heavily birded due to its proximity to the county's most active birders, no other hotspot in the county comes close to producing the variety of species that Rose Valley can.
Red Phalarope - 5/25/2020 © Bobby Brown
