Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area spanning 1,778 acres of floodplain situated between the Mission Mountains and Swan Mountains. The land contains wetlands, marshes, and river valleys that create diverse habitats for wildlife.

The refuge was established in 1973 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect critical habitats for native waterfowl species. This designation reflected broader efforts to conserve wetland ecosystems throughout the Montana region.

The refuge forms part of the Northwest Montana Wetland Management District, contributing to regional conservation efforts through wildlife monitoring and habitat preservation.

You can enter from Highway 83 where parking and an information kiosk are available. Two main trails, Bog Road and Tollefson, offer walking routes through the protected area.

More than 170 bird species use the refuge, including nesting bald eagles and migrating waterfowl. The protected area also supports large mammals such as moose, elk, and occasionally grizzly bears.

Location: Lake County

Inception: 1973

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/swan_river

GPS coordinates: 47.89810,-113.85500

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03