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The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, one of the few remaining tracts of undeveloped land in the Bitterroot Valley, is situated along the Bitterroot River in western Montana.
Surrounded by the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges, the refuge offers spectacular wildlife and landscape viewing.
The refuge was established in 1963 to provide habitats for migratory birds and a variety of wildlife. The refuge's 2,800 acres is home to 235 species of birds, 41 species of mammals, and 17 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Easy-to-spot refuge wildlife include white-tailed deer,
muskrats, bald eagles, ospreys, waterfowl and neotropical birds.
A series of water structures creates a chain of ponds that attract a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife.
In addition to wildlife observation, the refuge provides many opportunities for photography, hunting, fishing, and environmental education.
There are 2.5 miles of nature trails in the 160-acre Wildlife Viewing Area. The trails meander through meadows and river bottom woodlands along the Bitterroot River. The Wildlife Viewing Area includes a half-mile, wheelchair-accessible path, which leads to the Bitterroot River. A county road (Wildfowl Lane) stretches through the refuge providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape and abundant opportunities to view wildlife.
There are designated areas for archery white-tailed deer hunting and waterfowl hunting.
Outdoor Activities |
The Bitterroot Mountains viewed from the refuge.
Ospreys can be seen on the refuge during spring and summer.
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