There is nothing commercial or upscale about this,it is a natural preserve in the truest sense. Today's visit was uneventful, save the view. The day was gray and there was very little wild life activity. The water level was low so there was spongy turf all around. The one remarkable feature today was the view of the mountains, snow covered with intermittent snow squalls blowing through them. Still, there was something peaceful about all of it and I was glad I made the trip. One thing to be aware of is once you turn off U.S. 93 onto Olson Road it is muddy and rutted.

We stopped our car and went out with my camera. It was so beautiful! There were a lot of information plaques, about the lake, plants, ecosystems, wetlands, raptors, birds and waterfowl. It was splendid and we stayed for at lest 30 minutes. It is so beautiful! A must see!

The Nine-pipe Reservoir is located within the Nine-pipe National Wildlife Refuge. We happened upon the Refuge during a road trip to Northern Montana. In the Southwest corner of the Refuge, off Olsen Road, there is a small parking area that provides access to a road/trail which provides spectacular views of the Refuge and the nearby mountains (photos attached). The road/trail is level, open and very easy to walk along. During our visit, we were treated to a wonderful view of a male deer running through the grasslands along the water’s edge (photo attached). We also saw a numerous different waterfowl during our walk. According to the Refuge’s official website, “[t]he refuge has become an important breeding and staging area for a large portion of the Flathead Valley Canada goose population, a western grebe nesting colony, a large great blue heron colony, a double-crested cormorant colony, a variety of ducks, and numerous species of other marsh and water birds.” Bottom line, if you are in the area and into easily accessible open spaces and wildlife viewing, we recommend you visit this refuge. If you found this review helpful and/or our photos helpful or pleasing, we hope you will click the “helpful/thank you” button. Those of us who write detailed reviews appreciate the feedback and it encourages us to write additional reviews for everyone’s consideration. Thank you.

Had a business meeting reschedule so we had the evening off. Luckily I travel with fishing gear!!! Right off the road are several inputs to watch the wildlife or fish. The views can’t be beat! We were bass fishing from the rip rap and did very well. This might be the prettiest place ever to fish!P.s.- make sure you swing into Ronan and get your reservation license, just a MT fishing license is not sufficient!

Swans, puddle ducks, hawks, owls, even a snowy owl this winter, and lots of deer. A nice drive off Highway 93 takes you to some good vantage spots. Area ponds and reservoir has open spots and the Canada geese and ducks are crowding in.