Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is primarily a high elevation mountain wetland-riparian area. Red Rock Creek flows through the upper end of the Centennial Valley, within which the Refuge lies, creating the impressive Upper Red Rock Lake, River Marsh, and Lower Red Rock Lake marshlands. The rugged Centennial Mountains border the Refuge on the south, catching the snows of winter that replenish the Refuges lakes and marshes.
Red Rock Creek is near the headwaters of the Missouri River. These wetlands provide secluded habitat for the trumpeter swan, white-faced ibis, and Shiras moose. The Refuge includes subirrigated meadows or "fens", grasslands, and forest as well.
This minimally-altered natural diversity provides habitat for other species such as sandhill cranes, curlews, peregrine falcons, eagles, numerous hawks and owls, badgers, wolverines, bears, and wolves (in the backcountry), native fish such as Arctic grayling and westslope cutthroat trout, moose, and pronghorn antelope.
Although much of the Refuge lands were originally homesteaded at the turn of the century, Refuge management has restored much of the naturalness to the area. This approach gained Red Rock Lakes the distinction of being designated a National Natural Landmark, as well as becoming one of the few marshland Wilderness Areas in the country. As such, we continue to manage for primitive wilderness values. This maintains a largely natural diversity where humans are a visitor, with minimal permanent impact on the landscape, and wildlife move throughout with minimal human interaction. Physical facilities are limited and commercialism is minimized, creating a rare uncrowded do-it-yourself experience. Formal trails are not maintained or designated. In keeping with the wilderness spirit, visitors are free to explore the country and follow numerous game trails, seeing the country the way wildlife see it, and follow in the trails and tracks of moose, elk, and deer.
Visitor Information
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 to protect the rare trumpeter swan. Today, the Refuge continues to be one of the most important habitats in North America for these majestic birds.
Here you will find abundant opportunities to hike, fish, take pictures, and observe a variety of wildlife and flowers, but at our 6,600-foot elevation, we recommend sturdy footwear, warm clothing, rain gear, and good binoculars and spotting scope for optimum enjoyment. Please read the following regulations carefully; it should answer most of your questions. While visiting the Refuge, feel free to stop by the headquarters in Lakeview and take a look at our impressive Trumpeter Swan display. The Refuge is open year round from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closed on Federal holidays.
We hope that your visit will be enjoyable. Please familiarize yourself with the following regulations for your own protection, as well as for the protection of wildlife.
Wildlife observation, hiking, and photography are permitted, except in areas designated as closed for the protection of swans and other sensitive wildlife. Because of the wilderness character, a trail system is not provided, although recently two old roads have been seasonally designated as short hiking paths for those seeking a brief hike. Instead, visitors can follow numerous big game trails where you can see the country the way the wildlife see it. Commercial photographers must obtain a permit at Refuge headquarters.
Trumpeter swans are extremely sensitive to disturbance and may abandon nests or young if disturbed. Please do not approach nesting swans.
Pets must be kept leashed at all times.
Horses are permitted only for access into mountainous areas south of Red Rock Pass Road. Feed must be weed-free.
Be prepared for cool summer temperatures, frigid winters, and sudden rain or snow storms during any season.
Hazardous bogs and sinkholes are found throughout the Refuge. Caution is advised when traveling through wet areas.
Mosquitoes are abundant from early spring through late summer.
Travel
Vehicles are restricted to maintained Refuge roads, parking areas, and "through" roads (roads that originate outside the boundaries and pass through the Refuge). Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are not permitted on Refuge roads; however, they are allowed on "through" roads, in accordance with State law. Gasoline is not available locally but can be purchased in West Yellowstone or in Lima, Montana.
Please consider washing the undercarriage of your vehicle prior to visiting the Refuge. This will help reduce the spread of noxious weeds.
Refuge Roads: Lower Lake Road is open May 15 through mid-November; Culver Road is open July 15 through September 30; Idlewild Trail is open to vehicles September 1 through December 1, and for hiking only December 2 through August 31.
Through Roads: Red Rock Pass, North Side, and Elk Lake Roads are open all year as weather permits. Snows frequently block the roads in the winter. Call ahead for road conditions.
Access for Persons with Disabilities
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to afford persons with disabilities full accessibility or reasonable accommodation. Wheel-chair accessible facilities and toilets are available at the headquarters and Upper Lake Campground. Contact Refuge Headquarters for information or to address accessibility problems. For hearing impaired, use your State Relay System for the Deaf.
Emergency Services
Due to the Refuge's remote location, emergency services are limited. In case of medical emergency, injured or sick visitors can flag down passing vehicles or refuge staff from whom they may obtain assistance or go to the Refuge headquarters during office hours. Volunteer ambulance service is available from Lima, Montana, via 911. The nearest hospitals are located in Dillon and West Yellowstone.
How to Find Us
The best time to visit the Refuge is from May through September. Refuge headquarters can be reached by turning off Interstate 15 at Monida, Montana, and driving 28 miles east on an improved (partially graveled) dirt road. If you are coming from West Yellowstone, follow U.S. 20 for about 12 miles west to the junction with Montana Highway 87. Travel northwest on Montana 87 for five miles and turn south at the Sawtell historical marker. Follow the paved road around the west shore of Henry's Lake for approximately 5 miles onto Red Rock Pass Road (improved dirt road), following it west for about 25 miles to the Refuge entrance. The round trip through the Refuge averages about 100 miles.
Gasoline and road service are not available in the area. Fill your tank up before leaving the paved highways. Dirt roads are rough and flat tires are not uncommon. Be prepared and carry a good spare tire in your vehicle.
Access by cars and wheeled vehicles is seasonal, as snows can block roads in winter. Snowmobiling is limited to the existing Red Rock Pass Road. The road from the east is usually not open until mid-May.
The road from Monida to Lakeview opens about mid-April, but can be difficult for passenger cars until mid-May. These roads are often closed again in November. Summer rains can make these routes all but impassable, so local inquiry as to road conditions is advisable at any time of year.
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