charles m. russell wildlife refuge

This is a little slice of heaven in northern Montana! It is easy to access and has good facilities. We are so fortunate to live within a few hours of here so we can make this a regular weekend trip/

This refuge is a real treasure and worth the drive to experience. We were fortunate to be there during the elk runting season. We saw hundreds of elks--with the males preening and bugling to attract the ladies. It was incredible to view the beauty of these animals. We were at the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area and it was incredible. Had a wonderful picnic dinner on the bluffs and enjoyed watching the elk graze and protect their groupings.

We visited the Refuge driving north from Lewistown on 191. We stopped at the campground on the south side of the bridge crossing the Missouri and then crossed the river on the highway and took the 21 mile auto tour. Because it was mid day we did not see any wildlife other than a cottontail and some bird life but the "breaks" themselves are impressive. We had traveled along the Missouri near St. Louis and were amazed that the same river was already so big and powerful this far north in Montana.We tromped around a homestead of several log structures that appeared to have been built in the late 1800's and abandoned in the 1950's or 60's and with the help of the interpretive signage, were able to envision the hardships of those settling this portion of the American west.If planning to spend more than a drive through, be prepared. No vendors of any kind are available for miles. Bring your own food and water. Make sure you have at least half a tank of gas.If you're hardy, a number of hiking trails reach out into the "breaks" wilderness.

We travel through the CMR regularly to go fishing and boating at Fort Peck Lake. A wonderful unspoiled area.

We like to "hunt" the elk with our camera. What a thrill to hear the bugle and then find the one who made that magnificent sound and capture him for our scrapbook. Simply awesome!