Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

The grasslands of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge once covered a quarter of the United States. This region has remained mostly undisturbed since the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through in 1805.

Scientists have discovered several Tyrannosaurus Rex and other dinosaur fossils in the Refuge, which offer insight into what this region was like in prehistoric times. People come here to boat, swim, hike, camp, and take scenic drives.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Charles M. Russel National Wildlife Refuge. Find out opening hours, lodging options, drone flight permissions, and more.

Table of contents:

• Quick facts
• Location (Map)
• How to get there
• Hours
• Size
• Wildlife
• Best time to visit
• What to do
• Camping
• RVs and cars + trailers
• Pets
• Lodging
• Hunting
• Drone flying permissions
• Who was Charles M. Russell?

Quick facts – Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

• Size: 1.1 million acres (445,154 hectares)
• Length: 125 miles (201 km)
• Date established: 1936
• Terrain: Sweeping grasslands, rocky buttes, badland features, canyons, a reservoir
• Ecological regions: Rivers, wetlands, shoreline, and uplands 
• Road quality
  • Around the dam: good
  • Elsewhere: unpredictable
• Wildlife: Elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, red fox, coyotes, bighorn sheep, cougars, prairie dogs, black-footed ferret, porcupines, beavers 
• Raptors and birds: Eagles, hawks, quail, sharp-tailed grouse
• Endangered species: Grizzly bear, northern leopard frog, burrowing owl
• Nearby recreation areas: Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Woodhawk Wilderness Study Area
• Nearby towns: Glasgow, Wolf Point, Glendive, Miles City, Jordan, Lewistown, Malta
• Nearest major city: Billings (264 mi, 425 km, 4.5 hrs by car)
• Things to do: Biking, wildlife viewing, hiking, swimming, boating, camping, scenic driving
• Interesting fact: Refuge land has remained undisturbed since the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through in 1805.

Where is the Montana Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge located?

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is near Glasgow, Montana, in north-central Montana. The headquarters for the Refuge is in Lewistown, Montana, about a two-hour drive southwest of the Refuge. 

Two staffed field stations are located on either end of the park. The Sand Creek Field Station is on the west side, and the Fort Peck Field Station is on the east, near the Fort Peck Interpretive Center. 

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge map

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge boundary around Fort Peck Reservoir map

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge road map

How to get there

From the south (Billings)

The nearest major city to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (CMR Refuge) is Billings.

1. Drive north to Winnett via US 87 and MT 244
2. In Winnet, turn east onto MT 200 and continue 2 hrs (112 mi, 180 km) to Flowing Wells Rest Area
3. Turn north onto MT Highway 24 and continue for 1 hour (60 mi, 97 km) to Fort Peck

From the east (Williston, ND)

1. Drive 2.5 hours (131 mi, 211 km) west on Highway 2
2. Turn south onto MT 117 and continue for 15 minutes (11 mi, 18 km) to Fort Peck

From the east (Belfield, ND)

1. Drive 1.5 hours (80 mi, 129 km) west on I-94 to Glendive
2. Exit at Glendive northwest onto 200S and continue 45 minutes (49 mi, 79 km) to Circle
3. At Circle, turn west onto MT 200 and continue 30 minutes (31 mi, 50 km) to Flowing Wells Rest Area
4. Turn north onto MT Highway 24 and continue for 1 hour (60 mi, 97 km) to Fort Peck

From the west (Missoula, MT)

1. Drive 2.5 hours (153 mi, 246 km) east on MT 200 to Vaughn (turns into Highway 89 for the last 9 miles/14 km).
2. Turn east onto I-15 and continue 20 minutes (13 m, 21 km) to Great Falls.
3. Turn north onto Highway 87 and continue 2 hours (114 mi, 183 km) to Havre.
4. Turn east onto Highway 2 and continue 2.5 hours (158 mi, 254 km) to Glasgow.
5. Turn south onto MT 42 (in 3 miles, MT 42 turns into MT 24) and continue 10 minutes (18 mi, 29 km) to Fort Peck

Nearby airports

The nearest commercial airport to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Preserve (CMR Wildlife Refuge) is the Logan International Airport in Billings. 

Read also: National Bison Range

Opening hours

Find opening hours for the refuge, its headquarters, and field stations below.

Refuge

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is open year-round. Still, activities here are limited by the season. June to August is the most popular time for camping, boating, swimming, and other outdoor activities. In winter, the reservoir is frozen and the land is covered in snow.

Headquarters (Lewistown – outside the boundaries of the Refuge)

• Monday through Friday (except holidays): 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Fort Peck Field Station (east end of the Refuge, in Fort Peck)

• Monday through Friday (except holidays): 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Sand Creek Field Station (west end of the refuge, in Roy)

• Monday through Friday (except holidays): 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Fort Peck Interpretive Center (Fort Peck):

• Friday to Monday: 9 am – 4 pm

How many acres is the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge?

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge covers 1.1 million acres (445,154 hectares), stretching 125 miles (201 km) along the upper Missouri River in north-central Montana. It is the second-largest national wildlife refuge in the lower 48 states.

When President Roosevelt established the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in 1936, it was smaller. Several public orders in the 20th century gradually expanded the Refuge to its current size. 

Wildlife

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is a prime location for wildlife viewing. There are four major ecological regions within the Refuge: rivers, wetlands, shorelines, and uplands. Visitors will see most of the larger mammals in the shoreline and upland areas. 

Elk

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (Charles M. Russell NWR) is home to a large prairie herd of elk. One of the Refuge’s most fascinating spectacles occurs in October when hundreds of elk gather in the fertile wetlands near the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area for rutting season. During this time, you can hear elk bugling.

Black-footed ferret

Diseases and overhunting have diminished the Black-footed ferret population. Today, biologists here are nurturing black-footed ferret populations back from near extinction.

In 1981, biologists found and gathered several Black-footed ferrets from Wyoming. They transported the ferrets to 18 isolated regions in the western United States, including the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. 

Raptors and birds

Eagles, hawks, sharp-tailed grouse, and quail.

Mule deer, red fox, coyotes, and more

• Pronghorns
• Cougars
• Rocky Mountain elk
• Antelope
• White-tailed deer
• Mule deer
• Red fox
• Coyotes
• Beavers
• Porcupines

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are strong and tall, with thick horns atop their head. They are one of the most spectacular creatures in Montana and a conservation success story. 

Overhunting, disease, and habitat loss have made it challenging for biologists to preserve them. North America was home to roughly 1.5 to 2 million bighorn sheep at the turn of the century. Today, there are fewer than 70,000. 

Endangered species

The refuge is home to many endangered species, such as grizzly bears, northern leopard frogs, black-footed ferrets, and burrowing owls.

Flora

Across much of this Montana wildlife refuge is low-growing grass and shrubs. The refuge’s wet, boggy regions are home to wheatgrass, alfalfa, and yellow sweetclover. The open prairies feature small forests, grasslands, and buttes.

Read also: 9 breathtaking Montana national parks + 6 state parks

Best time to visit

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is open year-round. However, activities here are limited by the season. Most people visit during the warm summer months, from June to August.

During the summer, visitors come to camp, picnick, bike, or boat. Some people prefer to visit during the winter months, when the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is covered in snow. 

October, for the elk congregation

Each year, in late September and early October, peak numbers of elk gather around the Slippery Anne Elk Viewing Area for rutting season. Records show that a group of up to 500 elk visits the viewing area in September. The elk are very active and vocal during this period, making bugling sounds.

Spring, summer, and autumn – Best times for wildlife sightings

The best time to see wildlife in the refuge is spring, summer, and autumn. Early April to late June is an ideal time to see fox kits and bear cubs. To catch the bugle of a bull elk or see herds of fully mature mule deer, visit from late September to early October.

Remember to always carry bear bells and bear spray while in Montana’s outdoors.

9 things to do in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Many trails, historical sites, geological sites, and natural points of interest are located in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. I discuss the nine best things to do in the refuge below.

1. Visit the Fort Peck Interpretive Center

The Fort Peck Interpretive Center sits near the Fort Peck Dam. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service jointly manage the center. 

Visitors here can explore the history of the dam’s construction and see dinosaur fossils discovered within the refuge. Here’s what to look forward to at the Fort Peck Interpretive Center.

Paleontology exhibits

The Fort Peck Lake signature dinosaur attraction features the following fossils:

• Peck’s Rex. This is a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. Louis E. Tremblay discovered it in 1997, 20 miles (32 km) from Fort Peck.
• Struthiomimus. This is a full skeleton cast of a Struthiomimus – a long-legged, bipedal dinosaur that resembled a large ostrich and could run 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Aquatic reptiles and fish. Full mounts hang from the ceiling. 

Wildlife education

In addition to fossils, a wildlife exhibit features animals currently living in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Displays offer information about local wildlife, and two aquariums showcase native fish from the Fort Peck Reservoir and the Missouri River.

Fort Peck Dam Construction history and archives

The Fort Peck Dam is the largest hydraulically filled dam in the world. Construction started in 1933 and was finished in 1940. It is 21,026 ft (6,409 m) long, 250.5 ft (76 m) tall, and contains five turbines that can produce 185,250 kilowatts of power. 

The name Fort Peck comes from the trading post and Native American agency that Commander E.H. Durfee and Colonel Campbell K. Peck established here in 1867. Fort Peck was a station for the fur trade with the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes.

Visitors of the Fort Peck Interpretive Center can explore photographs, tools, and workers’ accounts of the dam’s construction. They can also learn about life in the boom towns that appeared around the dam during its construction.

Opening hours – Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center

Weekdays, 9 am to 4 pm, by appointment. Schedule appointments 24 hours in advance online, or by calling 406-526-3493.

2. Visit the Fort Peck Dam and Powerplant Museum

The Fort Peck Dam and Powerplant Museum is located in Power Plant #1, two miles (3.2 km) northeast of Fort Peck on Lower Yellowstone Road. Exhibits cover the history of Fort Peck Dam construction. Fossils from the area are also on display.

3. Hike

Hiking trails of varying difficulties wind throughout the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. However, most of them are not well-mapped and are hard to find.

Paved walking trails are located near the dam, by the Fort Peck Interpretive Center. The Milk River Overlook Trailhead is just northeast of the dam, across the Missouri River. This is a short, easily accessible trail to a lookout with an expansive view over the Missouri River. Here, Lewis and Clark decided not to take the Milk River on their expedition west. 

4. Bike

Biking is a great way to explore the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (Montana Wildlife Center). Pick any of the paved or natural trails. Beware, in remote regions, the trails can become few and far between. 

Always bring ample food and drinking water, track your route back to where you started from, and carry bear spray.

5. Camp 

Beautiful camping spots are located throughout the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Many of them are in remote locations, so remember to bring extra food, water, and fuel with you. Cell phone service is also weak in most locations, so always come prepared.

Campgrounds in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Northeast (below the dam)

• Roundhouse Point Campground. This campground sits between the Missouri River and the Dredge Cut Bay, a few miles from the Fort Peck Interpretive Center. One toilet, no RV hookups, no fee. 
• Fort Peck Campground. Very close to the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, featuring spacious, paid campsites and paved walking trails. No RV hookups. 

Northeast (above the dam)

• Fort Peck Marina and RV Park. This campground sits above the dam on the north shore of the reservoir. It features a restaurant. 
• West End Tent and Trailer Campground. A clean and comfortable paid campground west of the Fort Peck Marina and RV Park. It features scattered trees, spacious pitches, and bathrooms.

Middle (north shore)

• The Pines Campground. This site sits on the north reservoir’s north shore, an hour’s drive (35 mi, 56 km) southwest of the dam. It sits in a prairie with scattered trees and a hill with a beautiful view over the reservoir. Picnic tables and a boat ramp are on-site. 

Southwest (north shore)

• Fourchette Bay Campground. This is an remote campground on the north shore of the southwest part of the reservoir, past the midway point. Bring extra food, water, and fuel if you choose to camp here. It features a boat ramp, a few shelters, and outhouses.  

Southwest (south shore)

• Crooked Creek Campground. This campground is in a remote area in one of the southernmost portions of the Refuge. It’s located on the south shore, about a 1.5-hour drive (32 mi, 51 km) from the west end. Access it via 50 miles (80 km) of gravel road. It has a reputation for being a bit unkept, but it’s in a beautiful setting. No cell phone service. Bring extra food, water, and fuel.

Dry Arm (east)

• Rock Creek Marina. This is a well-equipped marina about halfway down the Dry Arm on the east shore. It features RV pitches with full hookups, tent sites, cabins, and overnight boat slips. There is also an on-site store and restaurant.

• Nelson Creek Bay. This is a spacious, remote campground at the southern tip of the Dry Arm with limited cell service. It features campsites, picnic tables, and outhouses. The nearest shop is 65 miles (105 km) away. Bring extra food, water, and fuel. 

Read also: 10 best places to stargaze in Montana

6. Swim in Fort Peck Reservoir

The Fort Peck Reservoir is the fifth-largest reservoir in the United States and one of the most popular natural swimming destinations in Montana in the summer. The water here is a deep, rich blue. 

Swimming beaches on Fort Peck Reservoir in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

• 1st and 2nd Dredge Cut Swimming Beach. These are two swimming beaches about a half-mile apart. They’re located one mile north of Fort Peck Dam off Highway 117 on the Missouri River.
• Any lakeside campground or beach. Unofficial beaches along the reservoir shores offer great opportunities for swimming. Pick any one of them.

7. Boat on Fort Peck Reservoir

The Fort Peck Reservoir in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is one of the top places in Montana to go boating. A solid boat with a strong motor is necessary. Due to the lake’s large size, big waves form during strong winds. 

Boaters enjoy open waters and spectacular views, a perfect setting for water skiing, wakeboarding, cruising, or resting.

Boat ramps on Fort Peck Reservoir

Below, you can find several boat ramps on the Fort Peck Reservoir. Several of them are in remote locations, accessible only by steep, difficult roads that require a 4×4.

Northeast (near the damn)

• Duck Creek Boat Ramp. A wide boat ramp that offers easy water access. Gravel road access. Bathrooms on site. 
• Flat Lake Boat Ramp. A conveniently located boat ramp just east of the dam with views of the surrounding hillsides. 

Middle (north shore)

• The Pines Boat Ramp (The Pines Campground). This ramp is located one hour’s drive (35 mi,  56 km) southwest of the dam. It’s one-seventh of the way to the western end of the reservoir. It features scattered trees, prairie, picnic tables, and a nearby lookout point. 
• Bonetrail Boat Ramp. This is a beautiful recreation area and boat ramp at the halfway point between the east and west ends of the reservoir. Covered picnic tables on the hillside offer a view. Accessed via a rough road that isn’t accessible when wet. 
• Fourchette Bay Campground. This campground is closer to the western tip of the reservoir. This is a remote campground that visitors describe as being “in the middle of nowhere”. Bring extra food, water, and fuel for your boat if you choose to launch from here. 

Middle (south shore)

• Devil’s Creek Campground. This is another remote campground accessed by a road with sharp turns, steep climbs, and descents. When wet, the road isn’t suitable even for 4x4s. Visitors report that the boat ramp needs renovating and isn’t suitable for launching. 

Dry Arm (east)

• Rock Creek Marina. This marina lies midway down the east shore of the Dry Arm. It features a boat launch, campground, restaurant, and cabins.
• Nelson Creek Bay. This ramp lies at the southern tip of the Dry Arm in a remote area, 65 miles (105 km) from the nearest town.

Many campgrounds surrounding the reservoir also have boat ramps.

8. Take a scenic drive

A vast network of roads crawls through the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, many of which lead to the water’s edge. You’ll likely find a marina, campground, or state park along the shoreline.

Drinking water is limited throughout the Refuge, and cell phone reception is unreliable. Pack plenty of water before you go. 

Road quality in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

9. Drive the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge auto tour

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge auto tour is one of the top activities nearby the Refuge. The tour isn’t inside the boundaries of the Refuge but is named after the same iconic painter and offers a chance to see more of north-central Montana’s prairie. 

The auto tour is a 100-mile stretch of Highway 87 between Great Falls and Lewistown. It takes about 2 hours to drive. The route passes through the Judith Basin, which was an inspiration for many of Charles M. Russell’s paintings. Along the way, you’ll pass through prairie, wooded ravines, and bluffs. 

Read also: 15 scenic drives in Montana

Visiting the Refuge with an RV or trailer

RVs and cars with trailers can drive through the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. However, many of the roads are unpaved and have washboards, sharp turns, steep climbs, and descents. Many roads aren’t suitable for RVs and trailers, especially in bad weather.

If you have an RV or trailer, you’ll find it easier driving on the paved roads and well-developed areas of the Refuge. For example, the Fort Peck Marina and RV Park and the Rock Creek Marina are well-equipped and offer full-service RV pitches.

Visiting the Refuge with pets

Dogs and cats are allowed in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. They must be leashed in public spaces and owners must pick up after them.  

Lodging in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Below, I list some of the best accommodation options within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

• Lakeridge Motel and Gas Station. This motel is located on the north shore of the reservoir, just above the dam, about a 5-minute drive from Fort Peck. It features cabins with full kitchens and living rooms, and motel rooms with hot showers, heating, and air conditioning.
• Fort Peck Hotel. A beautiful, historic hotel near the Fort Peck Interpretive Center. It’s on the national register of historic places and offers rooms and a restaurant. 
• Rock Creek Marina. A marina with cabins. The cabins have double beds, heating, air conditioning, microwave ovens, refrigerators, tables, chairs, and a walk-out deck. There is also a shop and a restaurant on-site.

You can also find hotels and other accommodation options in Glasgow, a 20-minute drive (18 mi, 29 km) north of Fort Peck. 

Hunting on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Hunting certain animals on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is permitted. However, a variety of wildlife is protected from hunting, such as bobcats, moose, bears, snakes, and prairie dogs. 

Hunting on the Charles M. Russell Refuge is subject to Federal and State regulations. Plus, refuge-specific hunting regulations can extend beyond Federal and State regulations, such as big game hunting quotas.

Read also: Why are hunting regulations passed?

Flying drones in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Flying unmanned aircraft (drones) in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is forbidden.

Why they named this Montana refuge after Charles M. Russell

In 1880, Charles M. Russell moved to Judith Basin near the present-day Wildlife Refuge in Montana. He painted iconic scenes, many of which are set in the Judith Basin, capturing the local culture in a signature style that is quickly recognizable.

The federal government renamed this Montana wildlife refuge after Charles M. Russell in 1963 because of the lasting impact his storytelling has had on the people and culture of the region.

Header image: USFWS – CC BY 2.0