CSKT Bison Range
Park Tribal bison range conserving Plains bison and habitat
Owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes near Moiese, Montana, the CSKT Bison Range protects free-roaming bison and other wildlife; visitors drive wildlife roads for bison viewing, hiking and birdwatching.
The CSKT Bison Range is a managed wildlife area in western Montana established as a protected range for American bison and other native species. It was created in the early 20th century and is now managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT).
The range provides opportunities for wildlife viewing from public roads and overlooks, where visitors commonly see free-roaming bison along with deer and other grassland species. There are short trails and a driving loop system that allow access to scenic viewpoints across rolling prairie and foothill habitats.
The area was set aside as a bison conservation range in the early 1900s and operated for many decades under federal management as the National Bison Range. In recent years management was transferred to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, restoring tribal stewardship of the landscape.
Located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana, the range sits near small communities such as Moiese and St. Ignatius and is accessed from regional roads across Lake and Missoula area counties.
- Tribal management: Management of the range returned to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in a recent transfer from federal management.
How to Get to CSKT Bison Range #
From Missoula, take US-93 N for about 35-45 miles to the turnoff toward the town of Moiese/St. Ignatius; follow signs for the Bison Range and the visitor loop. From Polson, head northeast on MT-212 then US-93 N; the Range is a short drive across the reservation. Expect gravel roads and a single long one-way auto tour-most visitors see it by car.
Tips for Visiting CSKT Bison Range #
- Drive the one-way auto tour early (before 10am) to catch bison and elk grazing in soft light.
- Bring binoculars and a long lens-animals are often at a distance and the best views are from pullouts along the 19-mile loop.
- Respect tribal signage: this is land managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes; stay in your vehicle where requested and follow staff directions.
- Fuel up in St. Ignatius or Polson-there are no services on the range.
Best Time to Visit CSKT Bison Range #
Best visited late spring through early fall for wildlife viewing and to use the gravel auto tour; winters are cold and many roads close or become difficult.
Weather & Climate near CSKT Bison Range #
CSKT Bison Range's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
