Bison Range

The Bison Range was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 to conserve the American Bison.  Since that time it has been managed as a wildlife refuge and native grassland. Today the management is done by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

The range is a small, low-rolling mountain connected to the Mission Mountain Range by a gradually descending spur. Range elevation varies from 2,585 feet (788 m) at headquarters to 4,885 feet (1,489 m) at High Point on Red Sleep Mountain, the highest point on the Range. 

Much of the Bison Range was once under prehistoric Glacial Lake Missoula. The upper part of the Range was above water. Red Sleep Mountain scenic drive leads to this high point, which has spectacular views across what was once the lake to the Mission Mountains on the other side.  Other flood features are evident on Buffalo Prairie scenic drive. Old beach lines (strandlines) can be seen on north-facing slopes and some large erratics are located near the old corrals.

There is a visitor center near the entrance which has a display and videos of Glacial Lake Missoula as well as information on the tribes of the Flathead Reservation and the abundant wildlife, including birds, bears and antelope.  There is also a gift shop. 

Camas Prairie ripples and several other important features of Glacial Lake Missoula are in close proximity to this site, much of them are located on tribal lands.  The entrance is off US 93 and MT 212 N about an hour north of Missoula.

Glacial Lake Missoula Strandlines above Bison Range

Bison Range
58355 Bison Range Rd, Moiese, MT 
(406) 644-2661 b
isonrange.org

FEES – there is a fee for entrance, including the day use area, except for CSKT tribal members

OPEN HOURS
Winter Hours (Nov-April)
Gate: 8am–6pm
Visitors Center: 8am–5pm 
Red Sleep Drive: closed Buffalo Prairie Drive: 8am-6pm

Summer Hours (May-Oct)
Gate: 7am–8pm
Visitors Center: 8am–7pm 
Red Sleep Drive: 8am–7pm 
Buffalo Prairie Drive:8am–8pm 

Restrictions: Vehicles over 30 feet long and those owing trailers as well as motorcycles, ATVs, and bicycles are not allowed on either drive. 

Visitors must remain inside vehicles at all times except for designated areas

 

 

 

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