Getting Oriented
The Centennial Valley sits in Beaverhead County in southwestern Montana, on the Idaho border with the Centennial Mountains forming the divide between the two states. Lima, Montana on Interstate 15 is the closest service town to the western access. The valley itself holds a handful of ranches and the Red Rock Lakes refuge but no commercial services. West Yellowstone, Montana is roughly 60 miles east via the same road system.
Trail Overview
From Interstate 15, the typical approach climbs over Monida Pass and runs east on Road 509 (the Centennial Valley Road). The road follows the valley floor along the south side of the Beaverhead Range, passes Lakeview (the historic refuge headquarters), and continues east to Red Rock Lakes. From Red Rock Lakes the road connects through the refuge to the Idaho side, climbing back over the Continental Divide via the Red Rock Road and dropping into the Henry's Lake area near Yellowstone's western entrance.
Driving the full system takes 4 to 6 hours with stops. The road's surface is wide graded dirt and gravel through most of the valley, with rougher sections in the refuge proper and over the Continental Divide. Large motorhomes are not recommended.
Points of Interest
- Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. 56,000 acres of marshes, sage flats, and high-elevation lakes. The refuge has been called the most beautiful in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
- Trumpeter swans. The refuge's signature species, saved from extinction here in the 1930s.
- Lakeview. Historic refuge headquarters with interpretive signs.
- Centennial Mountains. Forming the southern boundary, rising to 10,000 feet.
- Wildlife. Highest density wintering moose herd in Montana, plus elk, pronghorn, bears, and 18 species of nesting waterfowl.
- Lower Lake Campground. Refuge campground with no fees.
- Upper Lake Campground. Second refuge campground with no fees.
- Monida Pass historic site. A railroad-era mountain pass crossing.
Where to Camp
The refuge has two free campgrounds (Lower Lake and Upper Lake) with vault toilets and informal sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in the surrounding national forest land outside the refuge. Lima has a small commercial campground. No camping inside developed refuge areas without using the designated campgrounds.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit late spring through early fall. Snow closes the road from approximately November through April.
- Carry full fuel, water, and food. There are no services in the valley.
- Cell coverage is absent. Carry a satellite messenger.
- The refuge has specific fishing, hunting, and visitor regulations. Check with USFWS before activities.
- Watch for moose at dawn and dusk. They have right-of-way and don't always yield.
- Stay on designated roads. Cross-country travel damages refuge habitat.
- Mosquitoes are aggressive in summer. Bring repellent.
- Contact Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge at 406-276-3536 for current conditions.
