Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Bitterroot River in the scenic and historic Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana. Historic highlights include the establishment of the first European Montana settlement in nearby Stevensville along with the navigation of the Lewis & Clark through neighboring lands if not on the Refuge directly. Surrounded by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain Ranges, the refuge offers spectacular viewing opportunities of the landscape and wildlife.
Lee Metcalf NWR is one refuge out of more than 540 National Wildlife Refuges across the country. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffs and manages each Refuge and is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses 94-million-acres.
Lee Metcalf NWR was established in 1963 to provide habitats for migratory birds (235 species) and a variety of other wildlife. The refuge’s 2,800 acres are home to 37 species of mammals, and 17 species of reptiles and amphibians. Common wildlife sightings on the Refuge include White-tailed deer, Columbian ground squirrels, Osprey, and waterfowl.
The Refuge provides visitors with opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education and interpretation.
Wildfowl Lane is a county road that stretches through the Refuge. This auto tour route provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape and abundant opportunities to view wildlife on the Refuge.
The Visitor Center has changing seasonal interactive displays; you can also use a spotting scope for fantastic view of birds. There are also specimens of of ducks, swans, and owls for up close viewing. Open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 to 4:30
Driving Directions:
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is located 25 miles south of Missoula, Montana and 2 miles north of Stevensville. Exit Montana Hwy. 93 at the Stevensville ‘Cut Off’ road [Rt 269], and turn east on Rt. 203. Travel 1/4 mile to Wildfowl Lane and turn north (left) on to Wildfowl Lane. The Wildlife Viewing Area is 2 miles from this intersection.
Drive another 3 miles to visit the Refuge Office/Visitor Center at 4567 Wildfowl Lane.
