Chinook / Lloyd Loop
Birding Trails

Directions

From Chinook on US 2, go south on Cleveland Road (County Road 240) following it through the 'Y' intersection near town to the Bear Paw Battlefield in 15 miles. Continue five miles to Crown Butte Road, then west 8.6 miles to Lloyd. Go north 18.3 miles to complete loop back to Cleveland Road (left to Chinook).

General Information

Lightly traveled roads south of Chinook are prime places to see grassland birds and raptors. Stops at Bear Paw Battlefield, where the flight of the Nez Perce ended tragically, and Lloyd. Best viewing from June through August. No fees.

Habitats

Alfalfa, grassy foothills, streams with cottonwoods and heavy brush, pine, sage, cliffs.

Highlighted Species

Sprague’s pipit (grassy hillsides), clay-colored sparrow, Baird’s sparrow (less common), ferruginous hawk, long-billed curlew at Bear Paw Battlefield and along route; also along route, chestnut-collared and McCown’s longspurs, mountain bluebird, Swainson’s hawk, golden eagle, lark bunting (many in some years), sharp-tailed grouse (dance April/May); bobolink, Wilson’s snipe (Crown Butte Road); at Lloyd's south end, walk the road for brown thrasher, least flycatcher.

Facilities and Services

Vault toilet, loop trail (battlefield). All services in Chinook.

Contacts

Bear Paw Battlefield
Nez Perce National Historic Park
National Park Service
301 Ohio St.
Chinook, MT 59523
1-406-357-3130
Website