Karyn M.

The Bison Range was restored to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in 2020. The Visitors Center details the US government's treatment of Native Americans. It is heartbreaking. Read more at bisonrange.org. The Bison Range is 18,766 acres of land in the center of the Flathead Indian Reservation. The self-guided tour is by car. There are two options. The West Loop and Prairie Drive takes about an hour and is through two way traffic and loops back. The second option, Red Sleep Mountain Drive is about two hours, is one way driving and then goes through a full loop of the range. You may be tempted to take the shorter loop, but take the two hour option. There is very steep driving on Red Sleep Mountain (up 2,000 feet in elevation) but the views are amazing! Drive at your own speed. When we came it was a glorious afternoon and the golden grass, the mountains, the forests, the view from High Point, was breathtaking. I was hoping to see just one bison during this tour, but reader, we saw so many. First we saw one solitary bison just grazing away on a hill. Then about a dozen by Elk Lane. Stop at High Point and take in the view -- this was all covered by Glacial Lake Missoula 13,000-18,000 years ago. We saw two different herds making their way up a mountain and as we crested the peak, we were surrounded by bison. If their tail is low they are calm. If the tail is high and twitching they are agitated. Oh I got a little nervous because they were looking at us. My heart was full. Bison are North America's largest land mammal and there are about 20,500 Plains bison in conservation herds and about 350 at Bison Range.To see them living their best life was a favorite part of our visit. A day pass was $20 for our car. Go to the website to see schedules and opening times.

Lena K.

I loved, loved the National Bison range! Although I was hoping to see more bison, we saw a few groups on the two hour drive path. I would highly recommend doing the two hour and not just the hour path. We got super lucky that we were almost to the trail end of our journey when this massive storm fell passed us and we had to stop cause the car was being POUNDED with large hail!! It was massive size hail and super raining and I've never been in such inclement weather. What an experience! The price was super inexpensive and worth going if you're in this area!

Brian F.

This is an hour away from Missoula and is totally worth the drive!! It's so fascinating to see the bison up close and personal. It's my first time seeing them and it really was a sight to behold. When you get to the visitor center walk in to pay for a day pass ($10) and you can get a map of the park. Note that because this is not a national park you cannot use the America the Beautiful pass or any other annual pass as admission. The worker talked to me about the different options for routes, with one that takes about 45 minutes and the other scenic route that takes 2 hours (which also includes the 45 minute route). Beware that there's not much service at the park, at least not for AT&T. With the chances I will be back again and that I had time to spend I opted for the 2 hour drive. At the beginning it's a drive up and it gets very high with an open view of the water and the high dropoff so concentrate while driving. Pretty much the entire drive is going to be gravely and bumpy so be prepared for that. You'll be able to see bison all along the trail up here although when I went I was told the bison were on the other side of the park. There are a couple of short walks of 0.25 and 0.5 miles such as at High Point, which is the highest point in the park. As I went back town the mountain and drove down the wide open fields I saw more bison and other wildlife like deer. I even saw a bison walking across the road which was so fortunate! The total time really took about 2 hours exactly so they were pretty precise on the timing. This was really cool and I highly recommend this. You get great views of wildlife with mountains in the background for such a minimal cost.

Steve P.

From what I was told, in 2020, the National Bison Range transitioned to the Bison Range and was returned to local tribal management from federal oversight. This change saw an entrance fee adjustment from $5 per person to $20 per vehicle. This is especially cost-effective for groups of more than four. My appreciation goes out to the previous administration for this transition. During our visit, which was post 1pm, the Bison Range had a fire restriction in place (Level 2), limiting exposure to potential wildfires. As a result, the longer two-hour drive trail was closed. Though I presume this decision was in the best interest of visitors' safety, it's worth noting for potential visitors. The smoky conditions might have obscured our views of the magnificent mountain ranges anyway. Nonetheless, our experience on the shorter trail was rewarding, with sightings of bison, a bull elk, and deer. Overall, we left contented.

Andrew A.

Even if you see little wildlife, the majestic scenery is worth it. If possible, don't visit between 11-4 on hot days as the bison tend to hide in order to stay cool. We only spotted one bison in the distance in the first nine sections, but scored on the last one: two bisons within 30 feet and an elk with gorgeous horns about 10 feet away. It's only $5 per vehicle, and free if you have a National Park Pass.

Stuart D.

We had a great time. Take the long route. Amazing views. Would definitely go back. I would bring binoculars and a better camera.

So the US Govt has turned this back to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Having indigenous people reclaiming their heritage and opening such a special location is amazing! Went just before dusk and did the two hour loop. Saw bison, elk, pronghorn and deer. Wish I had had more days in the area to go back for a morning experience too.

Great place to take the kids to view some wildlife. A very good variety of animals. Beautiful terrain and great spectating.

Mallerlyn V.

This place was so cool! You get to see bison and a beautiful panorama of the Montana as well. Their information center has a little museum inside, information on the area and a nice little gift shop!

Benedict A.

Came here on the way to Kalispell, Montana. Since we didn't see any bison in Yellowstone we decided to come see them here. Its $5 dollars to be able to drive in the park, but you pay at the visitor center which you have to walk into. They don't provide a sticker of any sort so any unsavory character could technically just drive into the park for free and none would be the wiser.... the visitors center has a little museum which is cool and they provide you with a map of the park. There's only 2 spots you can officially and correctly get out of your vehicle and do some hiking. If you goto the right it's a 20 mile loop through mountains providing beautiful views of the Flat head mountains incthe distance. It's extremely steep but my Prius C was able to handle it, so I'm sure most vehicles can too. There's a bathroom about 5 miles into that one. And it takes a good 2 hours to drive at a leisurely pace. Or you take the path to the left and its about a 5 mile back and forth shorter trip of about an hour total. Allegedly theirs bisons, deers, bears and other wild animals in the park so you have to keep your eyes peeled for them. We saw a bison heard of about 30 out in the distance but couldn't drive to them which was a bummer. Then we saw a heard of deer as well some distance away. We also saw 2 bear cubs and its mother running down the hillside which was really cool. Then a bison that was roadside just chilling which was equally cool. I guess there's no telling what you see how close to your car you see them since the animals walk to and fro wherever and whenever they please. Got some great pictures. And now I can say I saw the animal that symbolizes the west (bison) up close and personal on my road trip. Im greatly satisfied with coming here. Granted some drivers drive faster than others do there's multiple turn outs to let people go by. Overall its a great setup here. If you don't see them at the national parks you definitely will see them here!!!

Xia Y.

Beautiful drive through the range and spotting these lovely creatures. There were other wildlife there so that was a sweet surprise. It is advise to not get out of the car or engage so take caution. Overall, I had a lot of fun though it did took a while driving around to find the herd.

JP P.

This is a great place to visit. Beautiful area to have a picnic with your family or friends. A short trail to hike if you are up for it. The scenic drive gives you ample opportunities for photographs. We went through in the late morning and saw plenty of wildlife. Bison, elk, deer, pronghorns, ducks, and other birds. Stop on the side of the road, but pullover so others can get by. The view is amazing soak it all in. If you have the time, do not rush through this range. Especially on a nice day this is a great way to just take it all in.