By editor
Ravalli County, Bitterroot Valley
The Bitterroot Valley is a long, fertile trench flanked by the Sapphire Mountains to the east and the jagged Bitterroot Range to the west. Near the town of Stevensville, the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge protects a critical expanse of river bottom, wetlands, and riparian forest. It is arguably the most productive birding location in western Montana, with nearly two hundred and fifty species documented.
The refuge is a sanctuary of quiet water and deep shade. In the mature cottonwoods along the river, the Pileated Woodpecker excavates massive, rectangular holes in search of carpenter ants. The dense willow thickets harbor nesting Willow Flycatchers and Yellow Warblers. On the shallow ponds, Trumpeter Swans and Hooded Mergansers glide among the cattails. In the winter, the refuge is a reliable location to observe Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Harriers hunting over the frozen meadows.
Visitor Access
The refuge is free to enter and is open daily from sunrise to sunset for day use only. It features a two-mile accessible walking path, a dedicated Wildlife Viewing Area, and a visitor center where birders can borrow binoculars and spotting scopes. Some public areas may be temporarily closed for management purposes, but the primary viewing areas remain accessible year-round.