The Bison Range, an esteemed wildlife conservation area housing approximately 350 bison, was integrated into the Montana Water Rights Protection Act in 2020 and formally returned to the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes in 2022.

Originally, the Flathead Indian Reservation hosted the Pablo-Allard bison herd until the dawn of the 20th century. However, with the passage of the Allotment Act, the U.S. Federal government mandated the removal of the local tribal members' bison herd to accommodate non-tribal settlers.

Subsequently, prompted by the American Bison Society, the government expropriated roughly 18,500 acres from the Salish, Qlispe, and Kootenai tribes to establish the Bison Range, reintroducing many bison from the original Pablo-Allard herd or their descendants.

Today, the range supports a diverse array of native Montana species, encompassing native birds, deer, elk, pronghorns, bears, and more. Further information about the animals inhabiting the Bison Range and the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes can be found on our website or Facebook page.

The Bison Range offers a self-guided driving tour featuring two scenic routes. The primary route, Red Sleep Drive, is a 2-hour, 19-mile loop traversing Red Sleep Mountain, accessible only during the summer months (May-Oct) and boasting two walking trails. Visitors can relish panoramic vistas of the valley and potentially encounter bears, birds, and other captivating species.

The second route, Prairie Drive, constitutes the lower segment of the Red Sleep Drive loop and remains open year-round. Spanning 14 miles, it leads to a turnaround area and back to the entrance, tracing the scenic Mission Creek and serving as a prime location for bison, elk, deer, and pronghorn sightings.

Fees:
Day Pass: $20 per vehicle
Commercial Day Pass*: $60 per vehicle
Annual Pass: $60 per vehicle (valid until the end of the calendar year)
CSKT Tribal Members: FREE