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...