CSKT Bison Range

CSKT Bison Range Information

The CSKT Bison Range is a wildlife refuge in western Montana, home to about 350 bison and other animals. In the late 1800s, Tribal members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) helped save bison by starting their herd. In 1908, the U.S. government took 18,500 acres of Tribal land without consent to create the National Bison Range. The federal government managed it for over 100 years, while the CSKT fought to regain control. In 2020, it was included in the Montana Water Rights Protection Act, and by 2022, the land was officially restored to the CSKT.

The Bison Range is a self-directed driving tour with two scenic drives. The primary drive is Red Sleep Drive, a 2-hour, 19-mile loop that goes up and over Red Sleep Mountain. It is only open during the summer (May to October) and has two walking trails. Visitors can enjoy seeing scenic views of the valley as well as possibly spotting bears, birds and other interesting species. The second drive is Prairie Drive, which is the lower half of the Red Sleep Drive loop and is open all year. This is a 14-mile drive that goes out to a turnaround area and comes back to the entrance. Prairie Drive goes along the scenic Mission Creek and is usually the best place to spot bison, elk, deer and pronghorn.

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CSKT Bison Range

Travel information
  • Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time

Nearest Transportation

Missoula Montana Airport (MSO): 50 miles (1 hour drive) south.

Whitefish Amtrak Station (WFH):100 miles (2-hour drive) north.

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Nearby Attractions

Flathead Lake State Park: 30 miles north, includes lakeside beaches, boating, camping, swimming. 

Glacier National Park: 90 miles north offers mountain scenery, hiking, wildlife, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Missoula Field Office Recreation Lands: 30–60 miles away, features hiking, fishing, hunting, camping spots.



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