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Map showing alternative route on Charles M. Russell NWR, Montana
Bridge Closed – Please use Alternative Route

During a routine inspection in March 2024, Refuge staff observed erosion around the footings of the Duval Bridge. The level of erosion was significant enough that continued access posed an immediate threat to public safety, requiring closure of the bridge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers public safety a top priority and has hired a contractor to complete the necessary bridge repair. Work is expected to be complete by late summer 2025. 

To access the Rock Creek boat ramp and Slippery Ann camping areas, use the north Auto Tour entrance between mile markers 98 and 99 on US 191. The bridge closure does not affect access to the James Kipp Recreation Area and anglers may continue to fish and launch watercraft at the Recreation Area. Please visit our Library for a map of the alternative route. 

Visitors should be aware that the alternative route is a gravel road and will add travel time. Please use caution and abide by posted speed limits and be sure to use headlights when driving in low light conditions.

We will keep the public informed with updates as we learn more.

Encompassing approximately 1.1 million acres, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is the second largest national wildlife refuge in the lower 48 states. Given the size and remoteness of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the area has changed very little from the historic voyage of the Lewis and Clark expedition, through the era of outlaws and homesteaders, to the present time. Visitors will find spectacular examples of native prairie, forested coulees, river bottoms, and "breaks" badlands so often portrayed in the paintings of the colorful artist for whom this refuge is named.
CMR Refuge Guide Map and 2025 Hunting Regulations

The 2025 CMR Hunting Regulations and our 2024 geo-referenced Guide Map is available!  Visit our Library to download a copy.

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The Right Thing to Do
A new Sagebrush Conservation Design analysis helps CMR managers combat threats like invasive annual grasses
A badland formation under a cloudy sky
Finding Fossils
A search for ancient wildlife at Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Visit Us

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge provides a rare opportunity to experience wild lands and wildlife in a natural setting and in nearly the same surroundings as encountered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Many wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities are offered at Charles M. Russell Refuge, including hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking.

At the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visitors can explore the wildlife of the Refuge as well as the rich history of the area, from dinosaurs to the building of the Fort Peck Dam. 

Location and Contact Information

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    About Us

    Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge is one of over 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System - a system of lands set aside to conserve wildlife and habitat for people today and generations to come. It is the second largest national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
    A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

    Learn more about national wildlife refuge     in the lower 48 states.

    What We Do

    The overall management goal at Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is to promote biological diversity and maintain the natural abundance of native plants and wildlife. Science is the foundation upon which conservation decisions are made. Charles M. Russell Refuge uses research, monitoring and the best-available science to inform its work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat.

    Our Organization

    Green plains and a lake with a mountain range in the background.
    Wilderness areas are wild, undeveloped, federally protected areas where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat, enjoy adventure and unmechanized recreation, or just relish solitude. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages more than 20 million acres of Congressionally designated wilderness...
    Program
    A firefighter is silhouetted in the dark walking along a fireline with orange flames in the background
    Fire is a natural and essential component of many ecosystems. When managed properly, it serves as an effective tool for maintaining and restoring ecological balance. By integrating fire into land management practices, we’re supporting biodiversity and sustaining resilient ecosystems for wildlife...
    Program
    An old stone A-framed building in a high desert landscape with an old mill next to it
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conserves more than just flora and fauna at America’s national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. As mandated under the National Historic Preservation Act, the Fish and Wildlife Service also conserves tens of thousands of archaeological and historic...
    Program
    A large, wet, furry brown rodent standing on grassy land next to a body of water
    Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and other living organisms that thrive in areas where they don’t naturally live and cause (or are likely to cause) economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal or plant health. Invasive species degrade, change or displace native habitats,...
    Program
    A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
    Program
    Washington,DC
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    Guided by the founding principles of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, federal wildlife officers protect wildlife and habitat and make refuges safe places for staff and visitors; conserve America’s natural resources; and seek to exemplify...
    Program

    Our Species

    Our Library

    Visit our digital library to find refuge brochures and other documents.

    Duval Bridge Alternative Route
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    Duval Bridge Alternative Route
    PDF
    2024 CMR NWR Guide Map
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    2024 CMR NWR Guide Map
    PDF
    2025 Charles M. Russell NWR Hunting Regulations
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    2025 Charles M. Russell NWR Hunting Regulations
    PDF