Description:
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is located in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, cradled between the Bitterroot Mountain Range on the west and Sapphire Mountain Range on the east. Bounded on the west by the Bitterroot River, the refuge setting is truly spectacular. Although small by refuge standards, the 2,800 acre refuge is managed to create a variety of habitats that are rich with abundant and diverse plants and animals. Osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, and several species of ducks, geese, and swans inhabit refuge ponds. The river bottom woodlands is mostly comprised of black cottonwood, ponderosa pine, alder, willow, woods rose, snowberry, hawthorn and other lowland plants. Whitetail deer, pine squirrels, porcupines, bobcats, great horned owls, red tail hawks, and pileated woodpeckers are some of the animals found here. Beaver, mink, otters, muskrats, wood ducks, and mergansers are often seen along the river bottom slough. The Bitterroot River Recreation Area features over 2 miles of nature trails and a picnic area with accessible tables, pavilion, grill, and outhouse."
Archery Deer Hunting
Archery hunting of white-tailed deer is permitted in designated areas of the Refuge. Hunting is in accordance with State and Federal regulations, including Refuge-specific regulations. For current hunting regulations, contact the Refuge.
Waterfowl Hunting
Hunting of ducks, geese, and coots is permitted from established blinds in designated areas of the Refuge. Hunting is in accordance with State and Federal regulations, including Refuge-specific regulations. For current hunting regulations, contact the Refuge.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted along the slough and river in the Refuge’s Wildlife Viewing Area. An accessible fishing shelter is located near the entrance. State fishing regulations apply; artificial lure and catch & release only.
Directions and/or Additional Information:
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The Refuge provides visitors with opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education and interpretation. There are 2 ˝ miles of nature trails in the Refuge’s 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.
Getting There:
From Missoula, take US 93 south about 30 miles to Stevensville. At the Stevensville cutoff road (269), turn east. Travel one mile to Eastside Highway (203) and again turn east. Travel a quarter-mile to Wildfowl Lane and turn north. The Refuge boundary is 2 miles from this intersection. Travel another 2 miles on this road to visit Refuge Offices and Visitor Center.
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Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Website
r6rw-lmc@fws.gov
