Pluvial deposition of tailings and other mining-related waste in selected riparian habitats of the Upper Clark Fork River Basin (Montana) have enriched trace elements in soils. The significance of trace element exposure to selected wildlife species was evaluated by measuring tissue residues of trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) in key dietary species, including dominant grasses (tufted hairgrass and redtop), willows, alfalfa, barley, invertebrates (grasshoppers, spiders, and beetles), and deer mice. Average trace element concentrations in grasses, invertebrates, and deer mice collected from tailings-affected sites were elevated relative to reference levels. Soil-tissue bioconcentration factors for grasses and invertebrates were generally lower than expected from the range of values in the literature, indicating the reduced bioavailability of trace elements from mining waste. In general, trace elements concentrations in willows, alfalfa, and barley were not elevated above reference levels. From these data and plausible assumptions for other exposure parameters for white-tailed deer, red fox, and American kestrel, trace element intake was estimated for soil and diet ingestion pathways. Comparisons of exposure estimates with toxicity reference values indicated that the elevated concentrations of trace elements in key food web species do not pose a significant risk to wildlife. Additional