Summary
The refuge is situated in the Bitterroot Valley and covers over 8,800 acres of land.
There are several good reasons to visit Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. One of the main attractions is the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and many species of birds. The refuge is also home to several species of fish, including rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
There are several points of interest to see at Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. One of the most popular is the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Viewing Area, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The refuge also has several hiking trails, including the Lost Trail Nature Trail, which winds through the forest and along the river.
Interesting facts about Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge include its history as a former Army ammunition depot. The refuge was established in 1984 and has since been restored to its natural state. The area is also home to several historic sites, including the Chief Joseph Fish Hatchery and the historic Montana town of Wisdom.
The best time of year to visit Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the wildlife is most active. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers a variety of activities for visitors in every season.
Overall, Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Montana. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it is a unique and unforgettable experience.
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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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Ashley Lake North Campground
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McGregor Lake Campground
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McGregor Lake
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Ashley Lake North
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Island Lake FAS
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Ashley Lake South Campground
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