About UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge
UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge is part of a complex of refuges managed by Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge from the headquarters station in Lewistown, Montana. Because the UL Bend Refuge lies within the boundary area of the Charles M. Russell Refuge, essentially they are managed as one unit even though they were established through different authorities and for different purposes.UL Bend Refuge was established through the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission on February 7, 1967 “for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds”. In 1976, Congress designated 20,819 acres of the refuge as the UL Bend Wilderness. Within this designated wilderness area, visitors can expect to experience undeveloped land that has kept its primeval character providing an opportunity for solitude and unconfined recreation.
How to Get There
Coming from the south (Lewistown, Billings, etc.):Take US-191 north toward Malta. After crossing the Missouri River on the Fred Robinson Bridge drive approximately 21 miles to mile marker 109, take the RIGHT immediately after the marker .An information kiosk sits where the road forks. Take the left fork and head east on the Dry Fork Road for 26 miles.Dry Fork road will “T” at old Second Creek School (white building). Turn right (south)and stay on main road continuing to head south. Road will become rough and narrow. Drive 14.4 miles to reach the refuge boundary and Refuge Road 212.Coming from the north (Malta) - Two Travel Options Via Hwy 191 or Via Regina Road.Via Hwy 191 (More Pavement)Head south from Malta on US-191 for approximately 23 miles to (between milepost 134 and 135) turn left (south) on the Midale road.Stay on the main Midale road south (several curves working south and east - follow signs directing you toward Second Creek School and CMR) until you come to a white concreteblock building, 21 miles from HWY 191.Turn right (south) at this building on the main road and continue south. Stay on the main road heading south, road will become rough & narrow. Drive 18 miles to reach the refuge boundary and Refuge Road 212.Via Regina Road (More Gravel)Head south out of Malta on Central Ave. After crossing the canal and after passing 12th Street turn left onto Highway 364. The road will turn to gravel. Continue for 4 miles to a T-intersection, turn right. After 0.4 miles the
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1652) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge?
Coming from the south (Lewistown, Billings, etc.):Take US-191 north toward Malta. After crossing the Missouri River on the Fred Robinson Bridge drive approximately 21 miles to mile marker 109, take the RIGHT immediately after the marker .An information kiosk sits where the road forks. Take the left fork and head east on the Dry Fork Road for 26 miles.Dry Fork road will “T” at old Second Creek Scho…
How do I contact UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-538-8706 or email: cmr@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
