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National Bison Range 
Contribute your own comments and rating Established in 1909 and stocked with descendants of bison rescued from extinction by Pend d'Oreille people this sanctuary protects hundreds of bison on 18,500 acres (7,487 hectares) of rolling grassland and forest. Take short nature walks from access points along 24 miles (39 kilometers) of road loop.
In addition to 350-500 bison, other large wildlife found on the Range include elk, white-tail and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and black bear. Over 200 species of birds also call this home including eagles, hawks, meadowlarks, bluebirds, ducks, and geese. Because of its open grasslands, the Bison Range is a place for the public to enjoy some excellent wildlife observation and photography.
A Visitor Center provides interpretive displays and orientation videos as well as a bookstore and restrooms. Staff is on hand to answer questions and dispense maps and brochures.
Early morning and evening
Prairie Drive/West Loop: a 5-mile gravel road that travels through the flats. It is open to trailers and large RVs. It goes by the Bison Display Pasture. Plan for 1/2 hour. Open year round.
Red Sleep Mountain Drive: a 19-mile, one-way, gravel road which gains 2,000 feet. There are many switchbacks and 10% grades along the drive. No trailers or vehicles over 32 feet are allowed on this drive. Allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Open mid-May to late October. (Check the Contact Us page for current information.)
Walking Trails: Hiking is limited on the Range to a few short walking trails. A mile-long Nature Trail is located at the Picnic Area and 1/4-mile Grassland Trail is at the Visitor Center. The 1/2-mile Bitterroot Trail and 1-mile High Point trail are both located off the Red Sleep Mountain Drive. Walking away from your vehicle is prohibited except for these designated trails.
My daughter, nephew and myself toured the National Bison Range the last week of July. We drove the short and long auto loop, hiked around the nature center as well as a short hike that is on the long auto loop.
We saw a fair amount of wildlife: bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, least chipmunk and a badger. The last was the highlight of the trip. We were able to watch the badger for a good couple of minutes.
We also saw a decent amount of raptors: Ferruginous Hawk (a highlight), Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Kestrel and Turkey Vulture.
One of the nice features of the National Bison Range is the variety of habitats that you drive through. The drive takes you through prairie habitat, alongside wetland habitat, mountain forests, etc. The drive is very educational and you will learn quite a bit about ecosystems.
We were at the range for a little over three hours. But you could easily spend all day exploring the range. There are some steep parts on the drive (both up and down), so keep an eye on your engine temp. The Range is very easy to find and is clearly marked. I highly recommend the drive and it is well worth the time spent.
Submitted by Tim Canavan-Martin (08/06/2009)