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Hiking and enjoying Montana,

Hiking

The Bison Range.

The Bison Range, formerly known as the National Bison Range, was established in 1908 by the U.S. Federal Government in the middle of our treaty-reserved home, the Flathead Indian Reservation. The bison living on the Bison Range also are descendants of the free-ranging Reservation herd started by Tribal members in the 1800’s when plains bison were near extinction.

Through Public Law 116-260, Congress restored the Bison Range as a federal trust ownership under the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT).

The Tribal Council has adopted, as its interim Bison Range management plan, the current Comprehensive Conservation Plan that was developed and adopted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) in 2019 (for which CSKT was a cooperating agency).

As of 2022, the Bison Range is fully owned and managed by CSKT Natural Resource Department.

Some More History of the Bison Range

The National Bison Range was established in 1908 and is one of the oldest Wildlife Refuges in the nation. The Range is about 25 miles south of Montana’s Flathead Lake.

American BisonA large portion of the 18, 500 acre Range consists of native Palouse prairie; forests, wetlands, and streams are also found here providing a wide range of habitats for wildlife. Elk, deer, pronghorn, black bear, coyote and ground squirrels are just some of the mammals that share the area with 350 to 500 bison. Over 200 species of birds also call this home including eagles, hawks, meadowlarks, bluebirds, ducks, and geese.

General Information

Fees are charged during the summer (mid-May to late October). The Range is part of the U.S. Fee System and accepts Golden Passes and Federal Waterfowl Stamps. Pay fees at the Visitor Center.

The Range is closed at night. Check the Contact Us page for current hours.

Camping is not allowed on the Range.

Visitor Center

The best place to start your visit is at the Visitor Center. Here you will find informative displays and handouts, restrooms, videos, a bookstore, and staff to answer your questions. Pay entrance fees here.  For more information about the Bison Range and other activities in northwest Montana, consider purchasing a copy of the Flathead Lake Vacation Guide.

Auto Tours

Montana Bull ElkPrairie Drive/West Loop: a 5-mile gravel road that travels through the flats. It is open to trailers and large RVs. It goes by the Bison Display Pasture. Plan for 1/2 hour. Open year round.

Red Sleep Mountain Drive: a 19-mile, one-way, gravel road which gains 2,000feet. There are many switchbacks and 10% grades along the drive. No trailers or vehicles over 32 feet are allowed on this drive. Allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Open mid-May to late October. (Check the Contact Us page for current information.)

Walking Trails: Hiking is limited on the Range to a few short walking trails. A mile-long Nature Trail is located at the Picnic Area and 1/4-mile Grassland Trail is at the Visitor Center. The 1/2-mile Bitterroot Trail and 1-mile High Point trail are both located off the Red Sleep Mountain Drive. Walking away from your vehicle is prohibited except for these designated trails. For a complete listing of trails around Flathead Lake, see the Go Hike With Mike Trail guide.

Picnic Area

The Range has a picnic area near Mission Creek. There are tables, grills, water, and accessible toilets. A covered pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no garbage cans, so please pack out all trash.

How to get here:

From Missoula: Travel north on US Highway 93 to Ravalli, turn left(to the west) on to State Highway 200, travel approximately 5 miles to the junction of Highways 200 and 212, turn right(to the north) and travel approximately 5 miles to the entrance of the Range at Moiese.

From Kalispell: Travel south on US Highway 93 or State Highway 35 to Polson, then travel Highway 93 through Pablo and Ronan to the junction of Highway 93 and State Highway 212, travel 12 miles (through Charlo) to the entrance of the Range at Moiese.

From the west: Travel Highway 200 through Dixon to the junction of Highways 200 and 212, turn left(to the north) and travel approximately 5 miles to the entrance of the Range at Moiese.

Glacier National Park History.

Glacier National Park MontanaIn 1910, Congress established Glacier National Park in Montana. Conservationist George Bird Grinnell played a key role in the creation of this park in order to preserve the land’s natural beauty. Indians have always revered this region. The Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai Indians, who have lived in the area for hundreds of years, consider it a sacred place.

Glacier National Park is named for the glaciers that produced its landscape. A glacier is a moving mass of snow and ice. It forms when more snow falls each winter than melts in the summer. The snow accumulates and presses the layers below it into ice. The bottom layer of ice becomes flexible and therefore allows the glacier to move. As it moves, a glacier picks up rock and gravel. With this mixture of debris, it scours and sculptures the land it moves across. This is how, over thousands of years, Glacier National Park got all its valleys, sharp mountain peaks, and lakes. There are more than 50 glaciers in the park today, though they are smaller than the huge ones that existed 20,000 years ago.

Water flowing in MontanaIn addition to its glaciers, mountains, and valleys, Glacier National Park covers approximately 1.4 million acres and includes 200 lakes and streams. The park is also home to many different types of wildlife, including black and grizzly bear, moose, golden and bald eagle, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and whitetail and mule deer.

Glacier National Park is a stunningly beautiful ice-carved terrain of serrated ridges, jutting peaks, dramatic hanging valleys, 50 glaciers, more than 200 lakes, waterfalls and thick forests covering some 1.2-million acres. Deer are among the most commonly spotted wildlife but elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, grizzly and black bears roam its wild vastness and are often seen by visitors.

Goat Lick overlook, for example, is a natural salt lick on cliffs overlooking the southern border of the park. From a viewing platform just off US Highway 2 east of Essex you are sure to see mountain goats or other animals at any time of day enjoying the lick.

Glacier Park MontanaWild flowers, too, are abundant and put on a lengthy show of color as they follow spring up the mountains all summer long.

The park is unique among US parks in its relationship with the Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. The two parks meet at the border shared by the two countries. Though administered by separate countries, the parks are cooperatively managed in recognition that wild plants and animals ignore political boundaries and claim the natural and cultural resources on both sides of the border. In 1932, the parks were designated the first International Peace Park in recognition of the bonds of peace and friendship between the two nations. The two parks jointly share the name The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Then, in 1995, The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was designated for inclusion as a World Heritage Site.

The Flathead Lake Vacation Guide.

The Flathead Lake Vacation Guide includes annual events, lodging, trail heads for hiking, private campgrounds and information about every State Park around Flathead Lake. Find out more….

The Guide contains more than 70 pages of information including links to activities, local business listings, , public campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing access sites and just about any other information you want when you vacation on Flathead Lake.

The Flathead Lake Vacation Guide is easy to use. The Guide contains information about each community, complete with business listings and public access points.  The Guide also contains many of the Trail Heads along Glacier View road, as well as the Jewel Basin outside of Bigfork Montana.

Communities on Flathead Lake

Communities included in the Guide include the population centers such as Bigfork, Lakeside and Polson, as well as the smaller communities like Woods Bay, Finely Point or Big Arm. All of the Montana State Parks are listed in this vacation guide. Including Yellow Bay, Flathead Lake Trail and Finley Point State Park. The guide contains many photographs as well as information you will want during your vacation.

The guide costs $6.99 and is an instant download to your computer or mobile device. Of course the Guide comes with a money back guarantee. It’s like having all of the local information right on your phone.

Golf on Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake Vacation Guide

The Flathead Lake Vacation Guide

the Guide contains every public access point around The Lake. It also contains most every private campground as well. So if you are looking for public or private campgrounds around our Lake, this vacation guide has the information you will need to plan your Montana vacation.

Purchase your guide, either for your phone on in you hand.

Hikes around Flathead Lake.

Going for a hike… Don’t forget Mike, The Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide.

If you are hiking in the mountains around Flathead Lake, you are in the Mission mountain Range.  The Mission Mountain Range is not only Grizzly Bear habitat but the west side of it resides in Indian Country.  With that said, when hiking in the Missions on the Flathead Indian Reservation, be sure to have bear spray and a tribal recreation permit. Once you have those two items enjoy your trails.  Be aware the Mission Mountain Range is a Wilderness Area.  This designation imposes additional regulations on mechanized operation.

If you are on US Highway 35 heading North, around Bear Dance Trail Head and the Flathead Lake Trail you are no longer on the reservation. North or South have bear spray and know how to use it.

Mission Mountains Wilderness

Hikes around Flathead LakeThe Mission mountain Wilderness will offer you impressive mountain views, and lakes.  You can expect wild landscapes with an ample amount of solitude.

There is an good trail system leading to the more popular lakes. The Mission Mountain range  has something for every type of recreationalist. A simple day hike might be Glacier Lake, or, if your feeling lucky, grab your bear spray and head out to Mollman Lakes.

The Mission Mountains Wilderness is bordered by the Salish- Kootenai tribal wilderness; please contact 406-675-2700 for information regarding access and use.

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Purchase The Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide.

Don’t need the hiking guide, just some basic trail information, do not fret.  Mike has included some beginner to medium hikes on this website.  Depending on were you as staying there is most likely a trail head near you. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you on the trail.

Other Trails

Glacier Creek Trail #690
Hemlock Feeder Trail #695
Hemlock Lake Trail #607
Hemlock Peak Trail #515
Jocko Trail #34
Piper Lake Trail #119
Turquoise Lake Trail #708

Backpacking
Recreation areas and trails.

Cedar Lake Trail #738
Elk Ridge Trail #301
Hemlock Lake Trail #607
Hemlock Peak Trail #515
Jocko Trail #34
Piper Lake Trail #119
Turquoise Lake Trail #708

Another Hiking Video from Go Hike With Mike.

Thank you for enjoying this hiking video with Mike. Hope to see you on the trail soon.

Please enjoy this Hiking Video:

See you on the Trail

The Go Hike with Mike Trail Guide contains information about camping & hiking around Flathead Lake.   Mike has been hiking, wandering, hunting and spending time in these woods for more then 20 years.  The Go Hike with Mike Trail Guide contains most every trail head around Flathead Lake.  The guide includes trails as far north as Polebridge.  It also contains the Hungry Horse recreation area, the Swan Front and Swan Valley to the east.  To the north the guide contains trail head and campground information around Tally Lake.

Don’t need the hiking guide, just some basic trail information, do not fret.  Mike has included some beginner to medium hikes on this website.  Depending on were you as staying there is most likely a trail head near you. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you on the trail.

190 pages packed with trailheads, camping spots, and local information around Flathead Lake.

PURCHASE THE GO HIKE WITH MIKE TRAIL GUIDE

Public and Private campgrounds and lodging around Flathead Lake. Also includes public and private campgrounds in all ranger districts around Flathead Lake.

Hiking Trails: Camp Misery Trail

Hiking Trail: Camp Misery Trail #68

The Camp Misery trail is 0.8 miles long. It begins at the junction with Noisy Creek Trail #8 and ends at the junction with Alpine Trail #7 and provides one of the many accesses into the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. The trail is primarily open for the following uses: Hiking.

Usage is typically light, closest town is Bigfork
Camp Misery TrailDirections:
From Bigfork, go North on Highway 35 for 2.3 miles and turn right onto Highway 83. Stay on 83 for 2.8 miles and turn left onto Echo Lake Rd. After 2.2 miles, turn slightly right onto Foothill Rd. Continue for 1.1 miles and bear slight right following the Jewel Basin sign onto Road #5392. Continue 6.6 miles to the end of the road for the trailhead.

 

Location

Area/Length : 0.8 miles
Elevation : 5,750 feet – 7,530 feet

190 pages packed with trailheads, camping spots, and local information around Flathead Lake.

PURCHASE THE GO HIKE WITH MIKE TRAIL GUIDE
Don’t need the hiking guide, just some basic trail information, do not fret.  Mike has included some beginner to medium hikes on this website.  Depending on were you as staying there is most likely a trail head near you. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you on the trail.
The trail guide is focused on trails, camping and being in the woods.  Mike’s Mike’s Go Hike With Mike Flathead Lake Trail Guide breaks the area in five easy to use sections.  North of Flathead lake, including The Talley Lake area and due north to Polebridge. East of Flathead Lake, including the Swan Front, Swan Valley, and on into the Hungry Horse recreation area.  The guide contains most every trail Mike has hiked in the last 20 years or plans to hike in the next 20 years.

Hiking Trails: Crater Notch Trail

Hiking Trail: Crater Notch Trail #187

The Crater Notch Trail is 3.7 miles long and climbs about 3,000 feet. It begins 1/2 mile up the Echo-Brokenleg Trail #544 and ends at the Alpine Trail #7 leading to In-thlam-keh Lake. The trail is open for the following uses for the first 2.7 miles: hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. After 3.5 miles the trail enters the Jewel Basin Hiking Area where the only allowed use is hiking. Please respect these guidelines.

Usage is typically light, closest town is Bigfork Montana.
Directions:
From Bigfork, go north on Highway 35 for 2.3 miles and turn right onto Hwy. 83. Stay on 83 for 2.8 miles, turning left onto Echo Lake Rd. After 2.2 miles, merge slightly right onto the Foothills Road. After 1.1 miles turn right onto Road #5392 also called Jewel Basin Rd. The trailhead is about two miles up the road on the right.

Location

Area/Length : 3.7 miles
Elevation : 3,255 feet – 6,175 feet

Crater Notch Trail190 pages packed with trailheads, camping spots, and local information around Flathead Lake.

PURCHASE THE GO HIKE WITH MIKE TRAIL GUIDE
Don’t need the hiking guide, just some basic trail information, do not fret.  Mike has included some beginner to medium hikes on this website.  Depending on were you as staying there is most likely a trail head near you. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you on the trail.
The trail guide is focused on trails, camping and being in the woods.  Mike’s Flathead Lake Trail Guide breaks the area in five easy to use sections.  North of Flathead lake, including The Talley Lake area and due north to Polebridge. East of Flathead Lake, including the Swan Front, Swan Valley, and on into the Hungry Horse recreation area.  The guide contains most every trail Mike has hiked in the last 20 years or plans to hike in the next 20 years.

Hiking Trail: Noisy Creek Trail

Noisy Creek Trail #8

The Noisy Creek trail is 1.9 miles long and climbs 850 feet. It begins at the end of Jewel Basin Road #5392 and ends at the junction with Alpine Trail #7. This is one of many accesses to the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. The trail is open primarily for the following uses: Hiking. Other uses are allowed, but not recommended, up to the Hiking Area boundary—see below for restrictions.

Usage is typically light, closest town is Bigfork Montana.
Directions:
From Bigfork, go north on Highway 35 for 2.3 miles and turn right onto Hwy 83. Stay on Hwy. 83 for 2.8 miles and turn left onto Echo Lake Road. After 2.2 miles, turn slightly right onto the Foothills Road. After 1.1 miles, turn right onto Rd. # 5392, following the Jewel Basin Road signs. The trailhead is 6.6 miles at the end of the road. Trail #8 starts at parking lot see information boards to make sure you are starting on the right trail as there are several that leave the parking lot.

Location

Area/Length : 1.9 miles
Elevation : 5,760 feet – 6,500 feet

Noisy Creek Trail190 pages packed with trailheads, camping spots, and local information around Flathead Lake.

PURCHASE THE GO HIKE WITH MIKE TRAIL GUIDE
Don’t need the hiking guide, just some basic trail information, do not fret.  Mike has included some beginner to medium hikes on this website.  Depending on were you as staying there is most likely a trail head near you. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you on the trail.
The trail guide is focused on trails, camping and being in the woods.  Mike’s Flathead Lake Trail Guide breaks the area in five easy to use sections.  North of Flathead lake, including The Talley Lake area and due north to Polebridge. East of Flathead Lake, including the Swan Front, Swan Valley, and on into the Hungry Horse recreation area.  The guide contains most every trail Mike has hiked in the last 20 years or plans to hike in the next 20 years.