Nestled In Northwest Montana Is A Nature Escape With A Scenic Lake, Wetland Beauty, And Mountain Views

loneliestmontana/InstagramMention Montana to most folks, and snow-capped mountains probably come to mind. Of course, there's no denying that rugged peaks dominate state's skyline, hence the name. But at the Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, tucked up in Montana's northwest corner, prairie-fringed wetlands take center stage. Don't get us wrong, there are still plenty of mountain views to take in around these parts. The protected nature area sits within the heart of the Salish Mountains, a lesser-known — yet equally stunning — range with tree-topped summits and rolling hills. But the wetlands are why this refuge originally came to be.

The Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1999 to help revitalize some of the lush riparian habitats that were lost around the nearby Flathead Lake due to dam activity. A major part of these efforts included the restoration of the refuge's very own stretch of waters, Dahl Lake, which was carved by glacial forces ages ago.

The wildlife sanctuary itself is pretty remote, sweeping across the Pleasant Valley floodplain for more than 9,000 acres, roughly 20 miles away from the Big Sky Country lakeside retreat of Marion. To access the refuge, you'll have to navigate a largely gravel main road, which can become dangerous in the winter or other inclement weather, so tread carefully. Once you do arrive, though, you'll find plenty to do, from hiking and wildlife watching to stargazing under the night sky.

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Dahl Lake, which sits on the east side of the Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, is flanked by grasslands and tree-covered hills. It's a real beauty today, but it hasn't always looked that way. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the tranquil waters were drained back in the 1950s to make room for all the cattle and horses of the old Lost Trail Ranch, a former outfit that once occupied the lands back in the day. The 1,000-acre wetland complex shrunk to less than 200 acres but has made quite a comeback in recent years, thanks to the refuge's restoration efforts.

Pleasant Valley Creek, the cornerstone of the wildlife sanctuary, runs through the refuge north of the lake. The stream anchors a 53-square-mile watershed that flows down from the Salish Mountains, eventually feeding into the Fisher River. Vast stretches of riparian habitats hug the restored wetlands, serving as a safe haven for all kinds of native and migratory birds, from sandhill cranes and cinnamon teals to willow flycatchers and gray catbirds.

You may also be able to spot some nesting trumpeter swans, which were reintroduced to the region after populations were decimated by hunting and habitat loss. Just be sure to freshen up on what to do if you see a bear while out hiking, because grizzlies have been known to roam the grounds, along with moose, gray wolves, elk, and Canadian lynx.

Nestled within the Salish Range, the mountain vistas are pretty hard to miss around the Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. The protected area is completely bounded by peaks, with the 6,000-foot Sanders Mountain to the north and the nearly 6,800-foot Murr Peak to the south. Calx Mountain, which stands about 6,500 feet above the ground, also lies to the west of the refuge in the sprawling Kootenai National Forest.

Admire all the views as you ramble around the refuge. The place doesn't appear to have a formal trail system, so you may want to have a park map and compass handy as you hike around the property. You can also tackle the hilly slopes on cross-country skis or snowshoes after a good snow. Just note, a major chunk of the refuge does close to the public from September 1 through December 10, so the grounds will be off limits during that time.

The Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is a certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary, so you can also soak up the fresh mountain air while taking in the twinkling stars. You can find designated parking areas on Pleasant Valley Road available to night sky viewers. Can't get enough of the constellations? Consider checking out our list of some of the best American locations for stargazing without equipment.