Tour Packages Options:

Bison Range – 4-hr tour

Tour covering history, wildlife, and local culture typically lasts 4 hours.

The cost is $150 This includes a guide and transportation. A 50% deposit is needed to book (snacks and/or lunch provided at an additional cost).

For the Salish and Kootenai people, the bison was more than just a source of food; it was central to their culture, spirituality, and survival. The vast Bison Range, nestled in the Flathead Valley, was a critical part of their ancestral lands, and the presence of bison shaped their way of life for generations. They developed deep knowledge of the bison's habits, migrations, and the land itself, using this understanding to sustain their communities. The Salish and Kootenai employed sophisticated hunting techniques, often involving corrals or carefully coordinated drives, to harvest the animals. Every part of the bison was utilized—the meat for sustenance, the hides for clothing and shelter, the bones and horns for tools and ceremonial items. The bison's spirit was revered, and the animal played a significant role in their oral traditions, ceremonies, and worldview, symbolizing strength, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all life. The near-extermination of the bison herds in the late 19th century was a devastating blow, profoundly impacting the Salish and Kootenai people and their way of life. The establishment of the National Bison Range in 1908, with its herd originating from animals preserved by Salish and Kootenai tribal members, represents a powerful legacy of their historical connection to the land and the bison that defined it. Today, the Salish and Kootenai tribes continue to be stewards of the land and its wildlife, a testament to their enduring relationship with the bison and their ancestral home.

Before the establishment of the National Bison Range, the Ninepipes area in the Mission Valley was a vital landscape for the Salish and Kootenai people. Named after a respected Bitterroot Salish leader, Chief Joseph Ninepipes, the region was not only a place of sustenance but also a cultural and spiritual heartland. The numerous kettle lakes, glacial wetlands, and surrounding grasslands provided a rich and diverse ecosystem that supported their traditional way of life.

The Ninepipes area was a crucial resource for hunting a variety of game, including deer and elk, and gathering abundant cultural plants. It was also a place for communal gatherings, horse racing, and informal family events, reflecting its deep social significance. The land's natural beauty and resources were woven into the very fabric of Salish and Kootenai identity, with traditional place-names and oral histories reflecting their profound connection to the landscape. While bison were not the primary focus of the Ninepipes area as they were on the open plains, its importance as a place of gathering, sustenance, and cultural practice highlights the holistic relationship the tribes had with their ancestral lands long before the modern preservation efforts took hold.

Our adventure kicks off at the Information Center, where you'll immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Bison Range and the incredible bison that call it home. Before we begin the scenic, two-hour Red Sleep Drive, you'll have a chance to grab a souvenir at the gift shop, take a comfort break, and get your questions answered.

Trip starts at the Mountain View Scenic Turn Out, Montana located outside of Ronan, Montana.

As we head back to the Mountain View Scenic turnout, we'll talk about the history of Charlo and answer any final questions you may have. We'll also be happy to share some of our favorite local restaurants in the valley.