national bison range

keithbZ5074GY

The rest of the year, the National Bison Range will offer some information and sites that you will not find anywhere else. The driving self-tour offers you the opportunity to take things at your own pace while viewing the many different animals on the Range. At the same time you will be able to see incredible vistas including the very nearby Mission Mountains.If you are really fortunate during your visit, some of the animals may be quite close to your vehicle. But don't be fooled! They ARE wild animals - so stay in the vehicle to protect you and THEM.

chasrob9945

We were in Kalispell for 10 days and decided to drive down to the National Bison Range to look around and perhaps see some bison or other wildlife. We knew from online research that only a 10 mile (roundtrip) section of road is open in the winter, but this still seemed like a good place to go for some nice winter landscape and possible wildlife viewing.When we arrived, we were told that the winter road had not been plowed (even though there had been no snowfall for several days), and we were unable to drive more than about a mile due to fairly deep snow (and we were in a four wheel drive vehicle). Needless to say, we were greatly disappointed at having made a 150 mile roundtrip for nothing. They need to do a better job of maintaining their winter road, or a better job of communicating road status on their website. Yes, we could have called, and you would be wise to do so, because you can't rely on the website to provide any up-to-date road information.

ChrisMary825

Relatively easy to find in the hills of Montana. We stopped in the small visitor center and then did the quick look on the short road. We did not do the longer one-way loop. We did see about 50 American Bison at the roadside, which was what we came to see. Good stop.

kirkv

We try to come to the Bison Range at least once a year. Been doing it for about 20 years now. We love the area and never knowing what you will find. The range this year produced Pronghorns, deer, elk, and of course bison. I got great photo's of the bison grazing right along the road, not 40 feet from the vehicle. I would always advise you to take your family on a trip here!

Retirementdreaming

We got there early when the animals are out because it is still cool. We saw everything from antelope to a Mojave Green Rattlesnake - which I thought only existed in the area of California where I live. Even saw a bear! We loved this place and would do it again in a heartbeat!

324lindyf

This is a hit or miss place of seeing animals.... We live local so do the drive at least once a year. Bison, Elk, Bear, Rock Mountain Big horn sheep, Antelope, deer, and wolfs... have seen them all depends on the time of day and time of year. The long loop is a nice drive never knowing what you may see. Be sure to stop at the top. Read about Lake Missoula. Look out onto the town of Saint Ignatius and Mission Valley... Beautiful views from the long loop. An evening fall drive you sure will see Elk done by the river. The first week of Oct. (monday/tuesday) is the bison round-up.. very interesting to see and lots to learn...

Paradise555

I understand that when you do go you would require at least 2 hours. That being said when I did go I did have fun. I did see some bison in a valley but that was some distance away. I would recommend a set of binoculars even some cheap ones to view the bison because they were at a distance. But there were so much other animals to see like elk, antelopes, deer that do come right up to your car.

279martinh

The National Bison Range is a great place to visit if you enjoy seeing lots of wildlife. We were fortunate enough to see bison (of course), mule deer, white tail deer, elk, bighorn sheep and pronghorn sheep. We hit the jackpot. Of course, there are no guarantees. We entered the park about two hours before sunset and it took us two hours to drive through the 20 mile loop. I'll surely visit again.

omazing

We drove the whole loop and didn't see much until the last half mile when we found the herd. Got to see them up close and hear them grunting as they crossed the creek. Honestly, we saw more bison in Yellowstone (duh), but we were able to see them up close here. They honor the national park passes and there's a big lot to park your travel trailer at the visitor center (not allowed to tow on the park road). Excellent displays in the visitor center!

G7321EZandrewb

This is a great park. I particularly like its self drive nature, plenty of wildlife to view and some nice look outs. Wasn't crowded or over touristy which we liked. Can be completed in a couple hours. Worth a visit!! We were lucky to get up very close to Bison in two different areas.

puddlejumperSelahWa

a great opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Also great views of the valley and the river.

HEBtraveler

we went in late sept. and late in the day. rainy and cool. best time to see wildlife. the bison, elk and deer were coming down from the hills to water in the Mission creek. a nice size bull walked right in front of our car on his way to get water for the evening. driving slowly, bring a good camera/zoom lens and be patient and quiet and you will see them all around. A must see if you are visiting the Missoula/Arlee area

MBbrandt

This is a great stop! You have to stop at the visitors center to pay, but the exhibits are great as well. Once you get started, make sure you take the small loop to the left before you get on the main road. Not many people take it, so there are a lot of animals there. Saw deer, bison and coyotes. The trails are also a must, you can see the valleys and more bison on the sides of the hills. The trails are easy and give you a feel for just how large the area really is. It's an easy slow drive that makes you appreciate how beautiful the prairies are in this great state.

LindaLin63

Love the fact that these magnificent creatures have a place to be safe and are taken care of. They have been in this country so long it would be a shame for them to become extinct.

ukienomad

I highly recommend you visit the Visitors Center first and get some information and the staff is very helpful. It also has a great display of stuffed elks, bisons, etc hanging from the walls as well as lots of information - worth going inside. It will take you approximately 2-3 hrs to go through the 19 mile winding area which is made of hard packed gravel road. Also, make sure you bring your binoculars and cameras or you'll regret it. We spotted more with the binoculars. We saw Bighorn sheep graze on the upper elevations, deer, mule deer, a coyote and lots of bison. I believe the gates close around sunset, so plan to arrive in plenty of time to make the drive and not rush. I would recommend getting there as early as possible.