Summary
This refuge is one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems in the region and provides habitat for over 250 species of birds, as well as elk, deer, and other wildlife.
Visitors to the Montana National Wildlife Refuge can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The refuge also offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.
Some of the specific points of interest within the refuge include the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to one of the largest herds of bighorn sheep in the United States, and the Fort Peck Dam, which is one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world.
Interesting facts about the Montana National Wildlife Refuge include that it was established in 1936 and covers over 1.1 million acres of land. The refuge is also home to several species of endangered or threatened animals, including the gray wolf, grizzly bear, and Canadian lynx.
The best time of year to visit the Montana National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and should check with the refuge before visiting to ensure that they are aware of any closures or restrictions.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References