Waterton Biosphere Reserve, United States

Waterton Biosphere Reserve Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Montana region in the United States, the Waterton Biosphere Reserve stands as a testament to the breathtaking beauty of nature. This national park encompasses a vast expanse of land, spanning over 1,200 square kilometers, and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

One of the most striking features of the Waterton Biosphere Reserve is its diverse and untouched ecosystem. From towering mountains to pristine lakes and lush forests, the reserve boasts a wide array of natural wonders. Visitors can embark on hiking trails that wind their way through the rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and over 250 species of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

For those seeking adventure and adrenaline, the reserve offers a multitude of activities to satisfy every thrill-seeker. From kayaking and canoeing on the crystal-clear waters of the lakes to mountain biking through challenging trails, there is no shortage of excitement in this outdoor playground. In the winter months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing.

In addition to its natural wonders, the Waterton Biosphere Reserve also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The region has been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, and their presence can still be felt today through various cultural sites and events. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the local tribes through interpretive programs and guided tours, gaining a deeper understanding of the land and its people.

To truly immerse oneself in the beauty of the reserve, there are a variety of accommodation options available, ranging from cozy cabins and campgrounds to luxurious lodges. Whether visitors choose to spend their nights under the stars or in the comfort of a rustic lodge, they will be treated to unparalleled views and a sense of tranquility that can only be found in this natural haven.

The Waterton Biosphere Reserve is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. From exploring its diverse landscapes to discovering its rich history, visitors will undoubtedly be captivated by the beauty and serenity of this remarkable national park.

Established: 1979 (45 years ago)Elevation: 3402 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°40'41"N, 113°49'1"W

Location

MontanaUnited States

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Waterton Biosphere Reserve Top Attractions

Waterton Biosphere Reserve Attractions - What to See and Explore

Waterton Biosphere Reserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lake Frances, Lake Janet, Lake Wurdeman, Stoney Indian Peaks. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Frances
Lake Frances is located in Glacier National Park, in the U. S. state of Montana. Runoff from the Dixon Glacier empties into the south side of the lake while runoff from Thunderbird Glacier flows into Thunderbird Creek and into the east shore of the lake.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Janet
Lake Janet is located in Glacier National Park, in the U. S. state of Montana. Lake Janet is south of Olson Mountain, north of Porcupine Ridge, northwest of Citadel Peaks, and 2.5 miles southwest of Waterton Lake.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Wurdeman
Lake Wurdeman is located in Glacier National Park, in the U. S. state of Montana. The lake is northwest of Chapman Peak and.50 miles east of Lake Nooney.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Stoney Indian Peaks
Stoney Indian Peaks are located in the Lewis Range, Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. Consisting of several summits, the mountain is in the northeastern region of Glacier National Park, less than 2 miles south of Mount Cleveland.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Boulder Peak
Boulder Peak is located in the Livingston Range, Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. The remnant Boulder Glacier is situated on the northern slopes of the mountain.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Campbell Mountain
Campbell Mountain is located in the Livingston Range, Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. Campbell Mountain rises more than 4,000 feet above the west shore of Waterton Lake.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Boulder Glacier
Boulder Glacier is located in the U.S. state of Montana in Glacier National Park. The glacier is situated to the north of Boulder Peak and west of the Continental Divide.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Cleveland
Mount Cleveland is the highest mountain in Glacier National Park, located in Montana, United States. It is also the highest point in the Lewis Range, which spans part of the northern portion of the park and extends into Canada.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Herbst Glacier
Herbst Glacier is located in the US state of Montana in Glacier National Park. The glacier is northeast of Mount Custer and lies above Lake Nooney at an elevation between 7,000 ft and 8,000 ft above sea level.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Lewis Range
The Lewis Range is a mountain range located in the Rocky Mountains of northern Montana, United States and extreme southern Alberta, Canada. It was formed as a result of the Lewis Overthrust, a geologic thrust fault resulted in the overlying of younger Cretaceous rocks by older Proterozoic rocks.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Hudson Glacier
Hudson Glacier is located in the US state of Montana in Glacier National Park. The glacier is situated in a cirque immediately to the east of the Continental Divide at an elevation between 7,500 feet and 7,200 feet above sea level.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Whitecrow Glacier
Whitecrow Glacier is in Glacier National Park, U.S. state of Montana. The glacier is situated immediately east of Mount Cleveland at an average elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Long Knife Peak
Long Knife Peak is located in the Clark Range, Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. Though much of the mountain slopes extend into the Canadian Province of British Columbia, the main summit is in the U.S.
48°59'48"N • 113°39'32"W
Chief Mountain Border Station and Quarters
The Chief Mountain Border Station and Quarters is a customs station on the Canada–United States border in Glacier County, Montana. Located on Montana Highway 17, the station is operated seasonally, primarily for tourist traffic between Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Clark Range
The Clark Range is a mountain range that forms part of the Continental Divide and also the boundary between the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.
48°57'39"N • 113°53'53"W
Goathaunt Bunkhouse
The Goathaunt Bunkhouse was built as a service structure by the Glacier Park Hotel Company for the development of the Goathaunt site in Glacier National Park.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Frances
Lake Frances is a lake located southwest of Valier, Montana in Pondera County. Lake Frances is 3,618 acres in size. The lake is a common destination for fisherman and water recreationists.

Day trips

Waterton Biosphere Reserve – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Waterton Biosphere Reserve, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cosley Lake (Glacier National Park), Hockaday Museum of Art (Kalispell), Montana Raceway Park (Kalispell).

17 milesN
Lake
Cosley Lake, Glacier National Park
Cosley Lake is located in Glacier National Park, in the U. S. state of Montana. Cosley Lake is.35 miles northeast of Glenns Lake and between Bear Mountain to the north and Cosley Ridge to the south.
40 milesSW
Art museum, Museum
Hockaday Museum of Art, Kalispell
The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell, Montana, is an American art museum which focuses on preservation of art and history pertaining to Glacier National Park and the state of Montana.
36 milesSW
Entertainment, Sport venue, Sport
Montana Raceway Park, Kalispell
Montana Raceway Park is a closed motorsports facility located near Kalispell, Montana, in the state's Flathead Valley region. It features a 1/4-mile-long high-banked oval track paved with asphalt. Seating at the facility accommodates 4,000 spectators and parking areas can stage more than 100 race teams.
7.9 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Grinnell Lake, Glacier National Park
Grinnell Lake is located in Glacier National Park, in the U. S. state of Montana. Named after George Bird Grinnell, the lake has an opaque turquoise appearance from the rock flour which is transported to the lake from Grinnell Glacier.
9.4 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Redrock Lake, Glacier National Park
Redrock Lake is located in Glacier National Park in the U. S. state of Montana. Mount Wilbur is west of Redrock Lake. Prior to entering Redrock Lake, Swiftcurrent Creek tumbles over Redrock Falls, which can be reached after an easy 1.8 miles hike by way of the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail.