Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) along the Bitterroot River in southwestern

Montana Montana () is a state in the Mountain West division of the Western United States. It is bordered by Idaho to the west, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columb ...

, U.S. Established in 1964 as Ravalli NWR, it was renamed in 1978 in honor of the late Senator Lee Metcalf, a native of Montana. The refuge was set aside for the protection of migratory bird species. About 235 species of birds have been documented on the refuge, with over 100 nesting there. Additionally, 37 species of mammals, and 17 species of reptiles and amphibians also have been documented. The refuge's wildlife viewing area covers of

wetland A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded or saturated by water, either permanently (for years or decades) or seasonally (for weeks or months). Flooding results in oxygen-free (anoxic) processes prevailing, especially in the soils. The p ...

s and riparian woodland. It includes two nature trails and a paved,

wheelchair-accessible Accessibility is the design of products, devices, services, vehicles, or environments so as to be usable by people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design and practice of accessible development ensures both "direct access" (i.e ...

trail from the parking lot to the picnic area. The viewing area is equipped with a viewing and fishing structure, outdoor restroom facilities, benches, and an information kiosk. One of the nature trails, the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Viewing Trail, was designated as a National Recreation Trail.

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Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife Refuges in Montana Protected areas of Ravalli County, Montana Wetlands of Montana Landforms of Ravalli County, Montana Protected areas established in 1964 1964 establishments in Montana {{RavalliCountyMT-geo-stub