About Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 24, 1999 and became the 519th refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It was established for: use by migratory birds, conservation of fish and wildlife resources, fish and wildlife oriented recreation and the conservation of endangered or threatened species. Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge contains four broad types of habitats: lakes and wetlands, riparian areas, intermountain grasslands (especially bunchgrass prairie), and forest. The wetlands provide important migration and breeding habitat for waterfowl and other waterbirds, and riparian habitat provides important migration and breeding habitat for songbirds. Refuge grasslands offer critical winter habitat for large mammals such as mule deer and elk. Bald eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls find excellent roosting and nesting habitat in the forest. In addition, the forest is hunting habitat for lynx and potential denning habitat for the grizzly bears and gray wolves that live near the Refuge and that once inhabited the lands now within the Refuge.
How to Get There
Please be aware that GPS navigation devices may not guide you correctly to the Refuge. The Refuge can be reached by driving west from Kalispell via Highway 2 approximately 20 miles to Marion. Turn right at Marion onto Pleasant Valley Road. After approximately 1.3 miles, the blacktop road will fork - stay right. The blacktop road eventually turns to gravel. Continue on the main gravel road approximately 13 miles. The refuge headquarters will be on the right approximately 4 miles from the east entrance. Road conditions will vary with the changing seasons. Travel to the refuge may be hazardous when roads are snow covered or muddy. The County road through the refuge is graveled and visitors must follow the posted speed limit of 35 mph. Secondary roads open to the public are lightly graveled with recommended speeds of 25 mph or less. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. Cell phone service is sporadic throughout this area. Due to the Refuge’s remote location and lack of emergency services, visitors should be personally prepared for a variety of conditions. Please keep in mind that the nearest gas station is in Marion.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4021) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge?
Please be aware that GPS navigation devices may not guide you correctly to the Refuge. The Refuge can be reached by driving west from Kalispell via Highway 2 approximately 20 miles to Marion. Turn right at Marion onto Pleasant Valley Road. After approximately 1.3 miles, the blacktop road will fork - stay right. The blacktop road eventually turns to gravel. Continue on the main gravel road approxim…
How do I contact Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-858-2216 or email: bisonrange@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
