The CSKT Bison Range: A 'Mini Yellowstone' in Montana

本站添加: 2026-06-07

[00:00:00]A really underrated place that's often overlooked in Northwest Montana that you should explore if you find yourself in these parts is the Bison Range. Just 2 hours south of Glacier National Park, 1 hour north of Missoula, there is what's considered a mini Yellowstone. This is over 18,000 acres of wildlife management area where you could find some species like bison, elk, bears, coyotes, pronghorn, among other species. There's also some gorgeous scenery, some beautiful views of the Mission Mountains, and some hiking trails that are worth checking out. Now, a little bit of history about this place, this is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the entire country. It was established in 1908 as a place where bison herds could be fully protected and allow for populations to restore themselves.

[00:00:48]Believe it or not, there was a time in history where over 10 million bison roam the American Great Plains. Due to the colonization of America, populations dwindled and they were mass exterminated. Populations dropped and in the late 1800s, early 1900s, it was essential that the last remaining herds be protected so that populations could restore themselves. When the US government established this land, they did so in a way where they did not ask for the approval or consent from the Native American groups that inhabited these lands and were the stewards of them for thousands of years. It wasn't until over a century later in 2022 where these lands and its bison herds returned to tribal management. Today, there's over 350 up to 500 bison that can be found here. I highly recommend checking out this area if you get the chance. If you're driving through Northwest Montana, perhaps you're doing a road trip between Glacier Park and Yellowstone, stop into the Bison Range, you won't regret it. If you want to learn more about conservation and natural places that you can explore, follow me for more.