Essential Montana Outdoor Experiences Part 2

 

Tour the Lewis and Clark Caverns…

The Lewis and Clark Caverns is a million-year-old limestone labyrinth and is one of the largest caverns in the United States.  The tour of these wondrous caves, which are lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites were created by mineral-laden water dripping and seeping from the tall ceilings.  During the tour that is led by a state park guide you will learn about the caves history, the big-eared bats that make the caves their home, and wonder over the colorful otherworldly formations and shapes.

Visit wild Bison at the National Bison Range Wildlife Refuge…

The NBR which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is approximately 18,500 acres!  The wildlife refuge is home to between 350 and 500 American bison, over 200 bird species and 50 other mammal species including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and black bear.

Adventure into the Bob Marshall and see the Chinese Wall…

 

It takes a lot of hard work to view the Chinese Wall in the heart of "The Bob" as the locals call the Bob Marshall Wilderness but the payoff is huge.  The Chinese Wall is a long limestone escarpment that averages 1,000 feet high from its base and extends for 15 miles along the Continental Divide in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

 

Photo Courtesy of Channel Outfitters

 

Fish one or all of Montana’s blue ribbon rivers… 

Photo Courtesy of Channel Outfitters

Fish, Wildlife and Parks categorizes 12 of Montana’s great waters as “blue-ribbon” rivers!  The productive waters are, the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Bighorn, Blackfoot, Flathead (main), Flathead (North Fork), Gallatin, Kootenai, Madison, Missouri, Rock Creek, and the Yellowstone River. 

They say that every angler should experience a guided fishing trip at least once in their lifetime but whether your fishing adventure is with a guide or in your own special fishing hole it is sure to be a legendary Montana experience!

 

View Kootenai Falls from a swinging bridge…

 

Kootenai River enters a canyon, downstream from Libby Montana and flows over Kootenai Falls, one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest. The main falls is 30 feet high and can be viewed from a "swinging bridge" that crosses the river.  The falls and surrounding area are considered sacred to the Kootenai Indians whose ancestors inhabited the region.  During the Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps crews did a lot of work in the area constructing roads and bridges, including the first swinging bridge, across the Kootenai River.

 

 

 

Stay tuned for

Essential Montana Outdoor Experiences Part 3...

Essential Montana Outdoor Experiences Part 1

Hike to an Alpine Lake…

Glacier National Park is home to several scenic alpine lake hikes that don’t require any special skills.  Be ready to experience wildlife, impeccable views, wildflowers, and a feeling that you’ve just discovered a secret mountain paradise!

 

 Experience Flathead Lake…

 
      Keep your eyes open for the  Flathead Lake Monster!

Flathead Lake is the jewel in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem and is the largest natural freshwater lake West of the Mississippi River.  The Flathead Lake has a surface area of 192 square miles and has a maximum depth of more than 370 feet. 
 The crystal-clear mountain water is perfect for swimming, boating with great friends, fishing or kayaking.  Consider taking an afternoon drive around the lake to fully experience its majesty but make sure that you stop at one of the five Montana State Parks speckled around the lake for a picnic or camping adventure.
  

                     
                                                                Pick Huckleberries…

 Few outdoor activities are more satisfying than spending a summer afternoon picking “Montana Gold”.  The abundant Montana fruit is delicious freshly picked, made into jam, pie, or one of the many other popular Montana flavored treats such as ice cream and fudge.

Drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park…

People from all over the world come to visit Montana and experience the breathtaking scenery from the Going-to-the-Sun Road!  This engineering marvel climbs over 3,000 feet from West Glacier to St. Mary.  While winding around glacier carved mountain sides you will experience carved-by-hand arches, the weeping wall, colorful wildflowers, fascinating waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including mountain goats right on the road!

Walk under the Roosevelt Arch at Yellowstone National Park…

 

The Roosevelt Arch is at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana.  The five story tall structure was constructed under the supervision of the U.S. Army at Fort Yellowstone.  Its cornerstone was laid down by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 and there is an inscription at the top of the arch that reads “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

 

Stay tuned next week for

Essential Montana Outdoor Experiences Part 2...