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GLACIER COUNTRY

24 COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM GLACIER COUNTRY www.glaciermt.com · 800.338.5072

Glacier Country is the that people who have never been to Montana tend to envision—woodsy, with alpine and towering mountain panoramas; wild, with bison, bears and huckleberries galore. Glacier National Park, the quintessential postcard snap, does nothing to dispel this notion, while areas like the Seeley-Swan, the Bitterroot and the National in Moiese only bolster the region’s majestic reputation.

There’s no shortage of ways to soak up all this grandeur, either. For starters, you’ll see plenty just through your car windows, or, to shake the distraction of driving, the viewing car of ’s line. For a little recreation with your scenery, raft trips, horseback trail rides, bike paths, snowmobile trips, cross-country outings and downhill ski days all guarantee views and wildlife sightings. You can even put a few major dents in your bucket list here—tracking untouched powder on a backcountry snowcat adventure or gaping at high- altitude panoramas from a helicopter tour high above the .

While your overworked camera recharges, hit Missoula, where eateries serving up locally sourced products, farmers markets and chocolatiers mingle with cowboy bars and supply stores. Or roll into Bigfork for gourmet cuisine, art galleries and golf. Whether you GLACIER COUNTRY snowmobile or skinny-ski, eat sushi or bison burgers, swill microbrews or local , Glacier Country tends to feel like the Montana you’ve always imagined: often homegrown, occasionally cosmopolitan and always beautiful.

Left: Quiet moment on Lower Stillwater Above: the Stoney Indian Pass trail in Glacier National Park

AT A GLANCE + Clearing the snow-laden Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a serious effort: snowplows must battle the “,” anywhere from 50 to 80 feet deep. + Every horse in A for Missoula in Caras Park is hand carved, and each horse has its own backstory. + The is named for the bitterroot flower found there, the roots of which were once a staple food for the Flathead tribes. Now, it’s Montana’s official state flower. + Kootenai Falls, near Libby, is one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwestern U.S.

GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM 25 Springtime in the rest of the region is a WHAT TO PACK KNOW BEFORE thrill for kayakers and rafters when the rapids swell with snowmelt. Go in autumn Anything goes in cultural Missoula, where YOU GO for hikes, bike rides and outdoor pursuits the clothing style can be dressy or casual. while the weather is still pleasant and the In art towns like Bigfork and Whitefish, BEST TIME TO VISIT crowds are thinning. clothing ranges from outdoorsy-chic to boutique fashion to just jeans. Everywhere In the summer, Glacier Country is abuzz In the winter, an ice fishing perch, in the region, pack layers appropriate for with fruit stands hawking homegrown snowshoe outing or cross-country ski hiking, horseback riding, rafting and playing cherries, glacier lilies blooming and boats trip affords views of snowcapped peaks, outside—wicking shirts, quick-drying pants, cruising the region’s many lakes. If you visit while a lift ticket or a snowmobile will rain gear and polar fleeces are good bets. Glacier National Park in the summer, it’s actually put you on one. the most popular season with the most Fleeces, parkas, snow pants and snow road and trail accessibility of the entire year. HOW TO GET HERE boots are customary for this region in the Arrive on bicycle in the springtime weeks winter, although the valleys aren’t as snowy before the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens Take a flight into Kalispell or Missoula, as Southwest Montana and Yellowstone to vehicles for a serene taste of Glacier. or arrive on the blood-pressure-lowering Country. Beyond hiking boots and snow Note: it’s a good idea to check road status Amtrak Empire Builder and rent a car. If boots, don’t worry about bringing your before you come, as Going-to-the-Sun you bring your own wheels, you’ll probably own outdoor gear if it’s a hassle; there Road opens in its entirety only when the drive in via I-90 or US 93 or US 2—watch are rentals and outfitters for almost every snow is plowed, which is usually mid-June. for deer on the road in the evening. recreational pursuit here.

CANADA & WATERTON to Cranbrook, BC LAKES NATIONAL PARK to Regina, SK to Cardston, AB to Assiniboia, SK to Lethbridge, AB to Kildeer, SK to Swift Current, SK Rexford Easy to forget sometimes, Canada is a CANADA Yaak Eureka Westby GLACIER Whitetail Babb SweetgrassseparatePort of country from America, so if you Four Flaxville NATIONAL Sweetgrass Opheim Buttes Fortine Polebridge BLACKFEET Sunburstgo to the Canadian side of Waterton- Turner Trego St. Mary INDIAN Peerless Scobey Plentywood Loring Whitewater ND to Fortuna, PARK RESERVATION Glacier International Peace Park, you will Lake Cut Bank need to show your passport to return to Troy Apgar McDonald Browning Chinook Medicine Lake Libby West Glacier the U.S. Also, be prepared to pay a small FORT PECK Columbia K Shelby AMTRA Falls Coram entry fee at the gates of WatertonRudyard Lakes A Martin City Chester Froid MT Havre Fort AMTRAK Hinsdale RAK Whitefish Hungry Horse East Glacier National Park.Galata Saco Saint Park Valier Box Belknap Marie Lustre Elder Dodson Vandalia Kalispell Essex Agency Malta Culbertson Heart Butte FORT BELKNAP Kila Dupuyer PHOTOGRAPHING ROCKY BOY’S INDIAN Glasgow Nashua Wolf Poplar Marion Bigfork AMTRAK Heron Big Sandy INDIAN RESERVATION Point Bainville Somers TRIBAL CEREMONIES to Williston, ND to Sandpoint, ID Noxon Conrad RESERVATION Lakeside FLATHEAD Rollins Bynum Brady Proctor VALLEY Powwows and dances have deep Fort Fairview Trout Dayton religious significance and typically doVirgelle not Peck GLACIER COUNTRY C. M. RUSSELL Creek Elmo Fort Benton Loma Big Arm Choteau Landusky Zortman NATIONAL WILDLIFE Thompson allow flash photography. Be sure to have REFUGE Sidney Falls Hot Springs Polson permission before snapping photos at Lambert DAKOTA NORTH Crane Condon Fairfieldtribal ceremonies.Great For more information Haugan Ronan Vaughn Falls Plains on proper etiquette while visiting the Savage De Borgia Charlo Augusta Winifred Bloomfield St. Regis Paradise FLATHEAD INDIAN Moiese RESERVATION Fortreservations Shaw and how to best enjoy your Brusett Circle to Coeur d’Alene, ID to Coeur d’Alene, IDAHO Belt Dixon St. Ignatius experience,Ulm contact tribal offices atvisitmt. Roy Stockett Raynesford Denton Jordan Brockway Superior Cascadecom/indiannations. Geyser Arlee Seeley 253 Lake Stanford Glendive Ovando CraigWATER Monarch Lewistown Alberton Sand Springs Wibaux Missoula Lincoln Hobson Winnett Cohagen Wolf Creek 253 Greenough Glacier Country is famousNeihart for its pure Grass Mosby Bonner Range Helmville Utica Lolo lakes and streams, but all that lovely water Terry ND to Dickinson, Clinton Canyon Creek Fallon Marysville carries the very real risk of Giardia lamblia, BITTERROOT Eastan unpleasant intestinal parasite. Resist Florence Drummond Helena Judith Gap to Kooskia, ID VALLEY Helenathe urge to sample even clear-looking Melstone Ingomar PINTLER White Sulphur Ismay Victor Stevensville SCENIC Elliston Plevna ROUTE Garrison Montanastreams, and ifSprings you must, filter or treatTwo your Clancy Winston City Dot Harlowton Miles City Deer water first. Baker Corvallis Philipsburg Jefferson Martinsdale Roundup Lodge Basin Hysham Forsyth Hamilton City TownsendFOOD Ringling ND to Bowman, Georgetown Lake Boulder Bighorn Rosebud Darby Anaconda 569 Montanans in Glacier Country love to eat, Custer Conner Butte as you’ll find in the plethora of friendly Worden Ekalaka Wise Wilsall Logan Big Colstrip Sula River cafes and widespreadManhattan varied eateries. In Pompeys Pillar Dewey the largerThree towns you’ll encounterClyde Park creative Timber Whitehall Belgrade Greycliff Silver fare likeForks sushi, local-focused pizza and Divide Livingston Reed Point Laurel Lame DAKOTA SOUTH This is for reference only; see theStar Harrison Billings Wisdom French and Thai cuisine. In more rural Columbus Hardin Crow Deer to Melrose Pony A Ashland Olive Official Montana Highway Map forTwin more detail. Gallatin McLeod W RRIOR Salmon, ID Agency PIONEER Bridges locales,Gateway look for small country cafes and CROW INDIAN TRAIL MTNS Bozeman Park H 278 Sheridan Norris Absarokee City RESERVATION Garryowen Busby IGH SCENIC steakhouses. PARADISE Rockvale NORTHERN CHEYENNE WAY Broadus BYWAY VALLEY Fishtail Saint Xavier Jackson Joliet Pryor INDIAN RESERVATION Polaris City Ennis Pray Nye Roberts Lodge 26 GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM Fort Smith Birney Alder Emigrant Roscoe Grass 278 Bridger Virginia Big Bannack Dillon City Sky Otter Cameron Red Lodge Wyola Biddle Alzada BIGHORN CANYON Cooke Belfry Grant Gardiner Silver NATIONAL REC. AREA Decker 324 Gate City WYOMING to Belle Fourche, SD 324 Quake Tower Junction WYOMING to Gillette, WY Mammoth to Sheridan, WY Lake BEARTOOTH to Cody, WY to Lovell, WY Hot Springs ALL AMERICAN ROAD YELLOWSTONE Dell Canyon Norris Lima NATIONAL Madison Monida Lakeview West Junction PARK Yellowstone Lake West IDAHO to Idaho Falls, ID Thumb to Rexburg, ID Old Faithful Grant Village

to Grand Teton Natl Park and Jackson, WY The colorful and quaint downtown of Bigfork

viewing by driving the Looking Glass Road downtown. It’s also Montana’s gateway PLACES TO GO (MT 49), which starts at the aspen prairie to the Selway-Bitterroot and GLACIER COUNTRY edge near East Glacier Park. If you plan to offers a number of other year-round COMMUNITIES get off the road to explore, make sure you recreational attractions. purchase a $10 recreation permit at one 406.363.2400 BIGFORK Hugging the sparkling blue of the local shops in East Glacier Park or www.bitterrootchamber.com bay where the flows into Browning. Permits are required to access , this picturesque, almost tribal lands for hiking. After the drive, stop KALISPELL Centrally located between storybook-like community charms with at one of the local restaurants for a bison Flathead Lake, Whitefish and Glacier its world-class art galleries, fine dining burger or huckleberry shake. National Park is the hub of the Flathead and live theater. Named “One of the 100 406.226.4403 Valley and year-round outdoor recreation. Best Small Art Towns” in the nation, this www.eastglacierpark.info A bustling community, Kalispell has a community truly loves the arts, as noted notable Old West charm that seems to by its numerous galleries and Bigfork EUREKA is tucked away in Montana’s effortlessly coincide with modern-day arts Summer Playhouse. And while this thriving northwest corner along the Tobacco River. and culture. Stroll through the historic community welcomes visitors with 50 It’s easy to while away the hours exploring downtown district and explore its local shops, 25 restaurants and 16 galleries, the downtown shops and cafes. Learn studios and galleries. Visit the Conrad it’s also a great launching point for playing about area history at the Tobacco Valley Mansion Museum, Hockaday Museum of on Flathead Lake. Winter offers great Historical Village, where you’ll find a unique Art and The Museum at Central School to snowmobiling opportunities between collection of buildings and other structures learn more about the region’s history. Plus, Flathead Lake and Swan Lake in the from the 1880s to 1920s. Ten Lakes time it right and you may catch the sounds Crane Mountain area. Scenic Area treats visitors to mountain of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale. 406.837.5888 drives, pristine lakes and abundant fishing. 406.758.2800 www.bigfork.org Also located nearby is Lake Koocanusa www.discoverkalispell.com and the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway. EAST GLACIER PARK is located on the Surrounding Forest Service lands offer LIBBY Located in Montana’s northwest Blackfeet Indian Reservation, which is miles of hiking trails, fishing, camping, corner in a valley carved by the Kootenai home to the Amskapi Pikuni Band of the groomed snowmobile trails and River and at the base of the Cabinet . Learn about East Glacier cross-country skiing. Mountains Wilderness is the bustling Park and the surrounding area’s historical 406.889.4636 community of Libby. Combining small- and cultural significance to the Blackfeet www.welcome2eureka.com town charm with breathtaking scenery, by saddling up with Glacier Gateways Libby welcomes visitors to explore its Trailrides on a guided horseback trip into HAMILTON Anchoring the Bitterroot surrounding area attractions—including the heart of this American Indian land. Or Valley is Hamilton, the central trade Ross Creek Cedar Grove, Kootenai Falls, hop onboard a Sun Tours bus and see area for hundreds of small farms, Libby and Turner Mountain—and Glacier National Park—the “Backbone of ranches and that fill the valley. soak up its hometown allure. the World”—from the perspective of the Hamilton is the hub of the local arts scene 406.293.4167 Blackfeet people. Take on grand vistas, for the valley, with community theater, www.libbychamber.org unique geology and abundant wildlife- live music at local pubs and a hopping

GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM 27 MISSOULA Sitting in a lush valley at SEELEY LAKE An outdoor adventure the confluence of three nearby rivers is lover’s paradise, Seeley Lake offers Montana’s cultural hub—Missoula. The access to nearby trails, lakes, streams, city is home to the , the and Bob Marshall nine historic districts, funky boutiques, Wilderness. In winter, Seeley is a mecca live theater and music, a symphony and for snowmobilers, dogsledders and delectable dining. It’s a prime launching cross-country skiers, while the warm point for outdoor recreationists who enjoy season attracts water lovers to the valley’s GOING-TO- rafting, fishing, floating, hiking, golfing, numerous waterways. To experience the snowmobiling and downhill and cross- Seeley-Swan Valley at its best, rent your THE-SUN ROAD country skiing. Head to Caras Park in the toy of choice (bike, canoe, snowmobile) in Glacier’s most famous attraction, the 52-mile heart of and watch town and let the adventure begin. Going-to-the-Sun Road takes you between the kayakers play at Brennan’s Wave on 406.677.2880 park’s east and west entrances. Along the way, the . Other “must-see” www.seeleylakechamber.com you pass gorgeous granite peaks, waterfalls, attractions include the Rocky Mountain serene lakes, historic lodges and more as you Foundation with its impressive displays, WEST GLACIER anchors the western make your way to the top of the Continental theater and gift center; the Smokejumper entrance to Glacier National Park and Divide at . Visitor Center, where you’ll learn the provides a variety of visitor services science of fighting forest fires; and the including lodging, cafes and gift shops. Historical Museum at . The vistas seen from Going-to-the-Sun

ALBERTA, CANADA 406.532.3250 Road are breathtaking as you cross the GLACIER MONTANA www.destinationmissoula.org Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high Babb NATIONAL LOGAN Logan Pass, and many guided tours of PARK PASS 6,646’ St. Mary POLSON is located on the Flathead Indian Glacier National Park and the surrounding Lake McDonald Reservation in a natural amphitheater area are offered out of West Glacier. Enjoy Apgar Kiowa Going-to- to at the south end of Flathead Lake. This fishing, whitewater rafting, golfing, hiking, the-Sun Browning area of the valley is a prime cherry- helicopter tours, horseback riding and West Road East to Whitefish Glacier Glacier growing region and home to numerous much more. West Glacier is also one of and Kalispell Park cherry orchards. The broad, sweeping the year-round stops on Amtrak’s northern 5,280’ Mission Valley south of Polson is bordered route across Montana. by the rugged, snowcapped Mission The visitor center at Logan Pass points you Mountains. The Flathead River features WHITEFISH Named one of the “Top to trails leading to backcountry destinations whitewater rafting and . Also 25 Ski Towns in the World” by National such as turquoise alpine lakes and located nearby: the National Bison Range Geographic, Whitefish is located on the backcountry chalets. In 1983 the Going-to- at Moiese, as well as the Ninepipe and shores of and at the base the-Sun Road was included in the National Pablo National Wildlife Refuges for bird of Big Mountain—home to Whitefish Register of Historic Places and in 1985 watchers. Two museums, The Miracle of Mountain Resort. A short jaunt to Glacier GLACIER COUNTRY was designated a National Historic Civil America Museum and Polson-Flathead National Park, Whitefish is a year-round Engineering Landmark. Historical Museum, offer many displays destination with plentiful attractions and and memorabilia. Polson Bay Golf Course a mixed array of shops, coffeehouses, The entire Going-to-the-Sun Road is open for is nestled near the , at restaurants, community gatherings and two-way motorized traffic from mid-June to the base of Flathead Lake. kick-up-your-heels nightlife. Visitors can mid-September, weather permitting. 406.883.5969 enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, Glacier’s shuttle system gives visitors an option www.polsonchamber.com hiking, biking, boating and live professional to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Ride for free as often as you like. Guided tours are also available on the park’s historic red buses, or learn about the park from the perspective of the Blackfeet Tribe with Sun Tours. 406.888.7800 www.visitmt.com/glac · www.nps.gov/glac View the Glacier National Park Video Series at visitmt.com/glaciervideos.

The Red Bus tour along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park 28 GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM theater, as well as stellar dining. destination for anyone who enjoys boating, off-season, call ahead to schedule a tour. 406.862.3548 or 406.862.3390 swimming, fishing, sailing, waterskiing and The visitor center is open daily Memorial www.explorewhitefish.com outdoor fun. Nearby towns are Polson, Day through Labor Day, with limited Lakeside, Somers, Bigfork and Kalispell. services in May and September. Inside the NOTABLE SITES www.visitmt.com/flatheadlake center, you will find interactive educational displays, regional info, a bookstore is part of and more. Nearby are playgrounds, THE BLACKFEET NATION is located GLACIER NATIONAL PARK in the northwestern part of Montana, the world’s first International Peace Park (a picnic shelters, boat ramps, hiking, bordering the Canadian province of distinction it shares with Waterton Lakes fishing, camping, wildlife watching and a Alberta on the north and Glacier National National Park, its Canadian neighbor to challenging 18-hole disc-golf course. Park to the west. The Blackfeet, or Pikuni, the north). And after visiting this park’s 406.293.5577 belong to what is called the Blackfoot more than one million acres of natural Confederacy. This confederacy consists of wonder and beauty, you’ll agree that it is, MUSEUM OF THE PLAINS INDIAN the Montana Blackfeet of Pikuni and three indeed, a place of peace. Glacier itself is is located in Browning and contains a other tribes residing in Canada: the North one of the largest intact ecosystems in the permanent exhibit of the creative works of Peigan/Pikuni, Blook/Kainai and Blackfoot/ continental U.S., meaning wildlife—bighorn Native American artists and craftspeople. Siksika. Blackfeet call themselves sheep, , grizzlies and more—thrive You can see artwork along with traditional Niitsitapi, meaning “the real people.” within the park’s borders. Hike 734 miles costumes of Northern Plains men, women If you’re near Browning, stop at the of trails ranging from wheelchair-accessible and children. Beyond the permanent Museum of the Plains Indian for a glimpse walkways through cedar groves to rugged exhibits are two special exhibition galleries of well-curated artifacts and exhibits or backcountry hikes atop steep cliffs. If you with changing presentations. Open all year. buy authentic goods from the gift shop. don’t want to drive or hike, try a tour bus, 406.338.2230 The Blackfeet Heritage Center also has take a guided horseback ride or climb www.browningmontana.com/museum a wide variety of arts, crafts and jewelry. aboard a scenic boat tour. Come winter, During the summer, the center offers art most of Glacier’s roads are left to pile up NATIONAL BISON RANGE Enjoy a self- demonstrations from local artisans. If you with snow except for a small portion of the guided auto tour of this national treasure GLACIER COUNTRY want to learn more about Blackfeet history Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier that protects one of the most important and culture, join the Blackfeet Cultural to Lake McDonald Lodge and from the St. remaining herds of . The History Tour or take the self-guided Mary entrance about a mile to the St. Mary refuge, approximately 25 miles north of Blackfeet Trail Tour. Campground. The rest of the park is just Missoula near Moiese, is home to about waiting for you to explore via snowshoes 350 to 500 of these majestic animals. Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Browning and cross-country skis. Other wildlife found at the National Bison 406.338.7521 Range includes elk, white-tailed and mule www.blackfeetnation.com 406.888.7800 www.nps.gov/glac deer, antelope, and black bears. Open all year. FLATHEAD INDIAN RESERVATION LIBBY DAM VISITOR CENTER on Lake 406.644.2211 is home to the Confederated Salish and Koocanusa is a great place to visit with www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_ Kootenai Tribes, which are a combination family and friends. During the summer, free range of the Salish, the Pend d’Oreille and the dam tours are offered daily, with photo ID; Kootenai. The reservation lies between Missoula and Kalispell and includes fertile valleys, towering mountain ranges and the lower half of Flathead Lake. The tribes are environmental stewards—the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness is a designated wilderness preserve. Permits are required for hiking, camping and fishing and are available at many local stores. The town of Pablo is home to The People’s Center—a museum that offers a vital, living encounter with Native American culture. The center features an exhibit gallery, educational programs such as beading classes and a gift shop with locally made crafts including beadwork. Flathead Indian Reservation, Pablo 406.675.2700 www.cskt.org

FLATHEAD LAKE At nearly 200 square miles and surrounded by six state parks, Flathead is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and a perfect

Tepees near East Glacier Park on the Blackfeet Nation GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM 29 BIGFORK WHITEWATER FESTIVAL – BIGFORK, MAY The Bigfork Whitewater Festival involves kayaking on the “Wild Mile” of the Swan River, which runs through Bigfork. At the height of spring runoff, the “Wild Mile” is considered a class V whitewater. There are festivities running throughout the weekend. 406.837.5888

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS – FLATHEAD LAKE AREA, JULY Several communities host parades and spectacular fireworks shows over the lake. Other activities include competitive games for kids and family and an arts and crafts fair. 406.532.3234

DALY DAYS – HAMILTON, JULY Bigfork Whitewater Festival Step back in time as life during the turn of the 20th century is re-created at the Daly Mansion. Festivities include reenactors in the house and on the SMOKEJUMPER VISITOR CENTER, are shown at the historic Wilma Theater, in Missoula, is the largest active Crystal Theater or Top Hat in downtown grounds, demonstrations, antique farm smokejumper base in the nation. The Missoula. Filmmakers from around the equipment and cars, carriage rides down center is a unique opportunity to learn world are in attendance to address Providence Way, local artisans, music, a about this unusual, demanding and audiences after their films screen.Tickets pie and bread sale, tours and more. dramatic occupation. As you walk through and passes are sold at the venues or online. 406.360.9124 the center, you can visit the National 406.541.3456 Smokejumper Memorial, explore a replica LEWIS AND CLARK FESTIVAL – CUT of a 1930s lookout tower and take a WHITEFISH WINTER CARNIVAL – BANK, JULY The Lewis and Clark Festival Join in the tour of the smokejumper loft, where the WHITEFISH, FEBRUARY annually brings together people from all fascinating mythology of the Whitefish smokejumpers work when they are not over Montana to celebrate Lewis and Winter Carnival. Notable events include fighting fires. Open daily Memorial Day Clark in a contemporary fashion. Events the Grand Parade, Kiddie Carnival and through Labor Day. Open by appointment include parades, an arts and crafts fair, Black Star Beer Barter. Round out the year-round. talent shows, Lewis and Clark site tours GLACIER COUNTRY weekend at the Torchlight Parade and and a farmers market. 406.329.4934 fireworks at Whitefish Mountain Resort www.fs.fed.us/fire/people/ 406.949.2160 —a spectacular, must-see display. smokejumpers/missoula 406.862.3501 NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN DAYS – BROWNING, JULY North American SNOWBOARD JAM – MISSOULA, Indian Days hosts American Indians from THINGS TO DO FEBRUARY/MARCH Snowboard across the U.S. and Canada. Featured Jam consists of two days of events for events include traditional drumming, EVENTS snowboarders, including giant slalom, games and dancing contests, the Slope Style Jam and the Banked Slalom. crowning of Miss Blackfeet, a parade, fun For exact dates and a complete listing of Cash purse and prizes are available at run, PRCA rodeo events and more. all events go to visitmt.com/events. this U.S.S.A.-sanctioned event. 406.338.5194 406.549.9777 SEELEY LAKE AREA WINTERFEST – POLSON MAIN STREET FLATHEAD SEELEY LAKE, JANUARY Winterfest RENDEZVOUS DAYS – EUREKA, CHERRY FESTIVAL – POLSON, JULY kicks off with a torchlight parade, biathlon APRIL This event celebrates the end of Over 100 vendors showcase their goods and bonfire. Enjoy snow sculpture viewing winter and the coming of spring. Enjoy on Main Street for this family event and competition through the entire event. activities such as a mountain man camp, featuring cherry-related foods, displays of 406.677.2880 black powder shoot, parade, Village Montana-made items for sale and activities Vendors Arts, crafts, food, quilt show, flea for kids. BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM market, the mud bog and sand drags, 406.871.8252 FESTIVAL – MISSOULA, FEBRUARY kids’ gold rush and antique and classic The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival car show. showcases the best in documentary films BITTERROOT CELTIC GAMES & from around the world. This 11-day event 406.889.4636 GATHERING – HAMILTON, AUGUST attracts more than 25,000 people and The festival takes place on the beautiful screens more than 100 films. All films Daly Mansion grounds. Your admission

30 GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM includes a tour of the mansion and a run Friday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and weekend full of Highland games, Celtic 1 and 3 p.m. A Tea and Tour is hosted music, bagpipes and dancing. Kilts are each Saturday during the Christmas not required to attend the festival but are tour season at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and required to compete! reservations are required. 406.274.8886 406.755.2166

HUCKLEBERRY FESTIVAL – CULTURE/HISTORY TROUT CREEK, AUGUST The annual GOLFING IN Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek GLACIER COUNTRY Montana’s includes live entertainment, a huckleberry ALPINE THEATRE PROJECT world-class professional Equity theater Glacier Country offers the rare combination pancake breakfast, run for fun, parade, brings artists from Broadway and other of renowned courses, stunning scenery and children’s activities, arts and crafts booths, major regional theaters to perform in the affordability. You’ll never be bored with the dancing under the stars and karaoke. beautiful in productions ever-changing countryside as you enjoy 406.827.3301 ranging from classic musicals to your game. contemporary drama. Operates year- RIVER CITY ROOTS FEST – round in Whitefish. MISSOULA, AUGUST The region’s largest arts and music festival showcases 406.862.7469 downtown Missoula. The event includes www.atpwhitefish.org an all-day music stage, tasty local dishes, art festival, 4-mile run/walk and children’s BLACKFEET CULTURAL HISTORY Experience the Blackfeet Cultural activities! TOURS History Tour where Blackfeet history and 406.543.4238 culture come alive with examples from both modern science and Blackfeet oral SANDERS COUNTY FAIR AND PRCA history and traditions. In the spring and fall GLACIER COUNTRY RODEO – PLAINS, LABOR DAY ask about bison herd tours. Buffalo jumps, An old-fashioned country fair WEEKEND tepee rings and medicine lodges are a with no charge to enter. The fair includes sample of what you’ll experience. agricultural exhibits where locals display Open all year. Golfing in Whitefish their talents. PRCA-sanctioned rodeos and bull riding and the largest demolition derby 406.338.2787 Golf Digest named the Flathead Valley area in the Northwest plus a carnival for the www.blackfeetculturecamp.com a “Top 50 Golf Destination.” Add to that a “kid” in us all. Located at the fairgrounds Charles perfectly mild shoulder season, which helps along the banks of the Clark Fork River. CONRAD MANSION MUSEUM Conrad founded the city of Kalispell in make the courses available to fit into anyone’s 406.826.3202 1891 and four years later built this historic vacation schedule, and you can swing your home. The Norman-style mansion is an clubs here during much of the year. MONTANA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL – example of luxurious 19th-century living. The sport of Our typical golf season lasts from BIGFORK, SEPTEMBER The 26 rooms are originally furnished and dragon boat racing originated more than approximately May through October 15. have been completely restored to include 2,300 years ago. Today it’s one of the These dates depend on weather and Tiffany-style windows, bedrooms with fastest growing sports in the world. Teams winter snowfall. canopied four-poster beds, bathrooms of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steer with imported marble lavatories and eight Weather in Montana can take sudden turns, person compete against each other in fireplaces. The mansion is on the National from sunshine to showers and back again in colorful and ornate 46-foot-long boats on Register of Historic Places and has the time it takes to play 18 holes, so always Flathead Lake. All ages and skill levels can operated as a museum since 1976. Open come prepared. participate as well as cheer from shore. May through October and Thanksgiving 888.888.2308 or 406.758.2800 For more information visit through New Year. visitmt.com/golfing and 406.755.2166 THE GREAT NORTHWEST glaciermt.com/golf.php. www.conradmansion.com OKTOBERFEST – WHITEFISH, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER Join the fun in Whitefish for two weekends HISTORICAL MUSEUM AT FORT The Historical Museum of authentic German beer, food, music and MISSOULA at Fort Missoula was established by fun—Montana style! community efforts in 1975 to save what 406.862.3501 remained of original Fort Missoula and to interpret the area’s history. The museum CHRISTMAS TOURS AT THE CONRAD is located on 32 acres in the heart of MANSION – KALISPELL, NOVEMBER historic Fort Missoula with a collection that AND DECEMBER Christmas is a very special time of year at the historic Charles includes 24,000 objects and 13 historic Conrad Mansion, a museum on the structures. Open all year. National Register of Historic Places. The 406.728.3476 Conrad family holiday traditions are the www.fortmissoulamuseum.org focus of the holiday tours. Guided tours GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM 31 Ski joring during the Whitefish Winter Carnival

MARCUS DALY MANSION Marcus Daly, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Glacier National Park is perhaps the an enterprising Irish immigrant and one of best place in the lower 48 states to see Montana’s , purchased the ALPINE SLIDE, ZIPLINE TOURS, AERIAL harlequin ducks. Check out Glacier Anthony Chaffin homestead in 1886 to ADVENTURE PARK, WALK IN THE Country’s Bitterroot, Flathead and serve as his family’s summer residence. TREETOPS AND MOUNTAIN BIKING Missoula Trails at montanabirdingtrail.org. The mansion has over 56 stunning rooms, Start your Whitefish Mountain Resort with 25 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms and summer adventure by grabbing a sled and For world-class birding, bring your seven fireplaces, five of which have racing down the Alpine Slide, controlling binoculars to the National imported Italian marble. The three-story, your speed through straightaways and Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/lee_metcalf) 24,000-square-foot mansion is situated on around curved banks. Next up is the along US 93 in the Bitterroot Valley. Or visit 50 tree-planted acres in the heart of the Zipline Tour—the longest zipline tour the Ninepipe GLACIER COUNTRY Bitterroot Valley in Hamilton. Open daily in Montana—with amazing views of (fws.gov/refuge/nine-pipe), on US 93 North, May through October, with special events Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley. south of Ronan in the Mission Valley. The occurring throughout the year. Test your skills at the Aerial Adventure Goat Creek Wildlife Trail, at the north end of 406.363.6004 Park. Participants are fitted with harnesses the scenic Swan Valley on MT 83, is a quiet www.dalymansion.org and gloves, led through a safety and place to check several birds off your list. park usage demonstration and are then THE PEOPLE’S CENTER is a unique free to navigate through their choice CAMPING Immerse yourself in the natural cultural center built by the Salish, Kootenai of five courses of varying difficulty. For beauty of northwest Montana by spending and Pend d’Oreille peoples. The center an elevated adventure, join Walk in the a few nights under the stars. A variety of features an exhibit gallery, educational and Treetops on a 2.5-hour boardwalk tour campsites are available—backcountry to natural history programs and a gift shop. through the treetop canopy. Additional full-service campgrounds and RV parks, Open all year. resort activities include hiking to the 6,817- including in Glacier National Park. Don’t 406.675.0160 foot summit—complete with a gorgeous be afraid to try winter camping as well, www.peoplescenter.org view of Glacier National Park—scenic lift but check access and dates of operation rides and nearly 30 miles of biking trails. before venturing out. And, of course, ST. IGNATIUS MISSION Experience the 406.862.2900 pack appropriately for the weather, any beauty of this Catholic church built in the www.skiwhitefish.com time of year. early 1890s, featuring 58 original paintings www.visitmt.com/camping by Brother Joseph Carignano. The Mission BIRDING TRAILS A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for survey found that Montana leads the FISHING has some the church, located on the Flathead Indian nation with the largest percentage of bird of the most pristine, undisturbed waters Reservation in St. Ignatius. watchers. More than 260 species of birds that nature has to offer. Glacier Country’s 406.745.2768 have been recorded, with raptors such as streams, rivers and lakes offer competitive www.visitmt.com/stignatiusmission the , golden eagle, peregrine fishing for the hard-core angler, as well falcon, osprey and several species of as an abundance of easily accessible hawks residing year-round. choices for the casual angler. Area hot

32 GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM SKIING IN GLACIER COUNTRY to Cranbrook, BC to Regina, SK to Cardston, AB E to Assiniboia, SK to Lethbridge, AB Glacier Wilderness Resort, 20 miles E of to Kildeer, SK CANADA to Swift Current, SK Rexford CANADA Yaak Eureka Hungry Horse, 406.888.5664 GLACIER Westby A Babb NATIONAL Fortine Polebridge BLACKFEET Sunburst Turner Trego St. Mary INDIAN Scobey Plentywood F ND to Fortuna, O PARK RESERVATION Round Meadows, 15 miles NW of Lake Cut Bank Troy 5 6 Apgar McDonald Browning Whitefish,406.758.5204 Chinook Medicine Lake Libby West Glacier FORT PECK F Columbia Shelby INDIAN RESERVATION I M Falls Coram Rudyard Froid Martin City ChesterKootenai National ForestHavre Hinsdale H G Whitefish Hungry East Glacier Galata Fort Saco Horse E Park Valier Box Belknap 406.293.6211,Elder www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai Dodson Kalispell Essex Agency Malta Culbertson L Heart Butte FORT BELKNAP Kila N Dupuyer Wolf Marion Bigfork Flathead River ROCKY BOY’S INDIAN Glasgow Poplar Heron G Big Sandy INDIAN RESERVATION Point Bainville Somers Bear Creek, 7 miles S of Libby to Williston, ND to Sandpoint, ID Conrad RESERVATION Noxon 1 Lakeside Rollins Bynum Brady 406.293.7773 Proctor Swan Lake Fort Fairview Trout D Dayton Virgelle Peck Creek Elmo Fort Benton Loma Thompson Big Arm Choteau H Ross Creek Trail No. 400, 17 milesLandusky S ofZortman Sidney

Falls Hot Springs Polson DAKOTA NORTH Troy, MT 56, 406.295.4693 Crane Condon Fairfield Great Haugan Ronan Vaughn 2 Plains Falls Savage De Borgia Charlo Augusta I Winifred Bloomfield St. Regis Paradise FLATHEAD INDIAN South Flower, 4 miles SW of Libby Moiese RESERVATION Fort Shaw Brusett Circle to Coeur d’Alene, ID to Coeur d’Alene, IDAHO Belt 406.293.7773 Dixon St. Ignatius Ulm Roy Stockett Raynesford Denton Jordan Superior Cascade 253 Arlee Seeley K Lolo NationalGeyser Forest Lake 4 Stanford Glendive Craig 406.329.3750,Monarch www.fs.usda.gov/loloLewistown Alberton Sand Springs Wibaux Lincoln Hobson Winnett Missoula Ovando Wolf Creek 253 Greenough Neihart Grass Mosby Bonner Utica Range Helmville J Pattee Canyon Ski Trail, 5.5 miles SE of Lolo Terry ND to Dickinson, Clinton Canyon Creek Fallon C J Marysville Missoula, 406.329.3814 East Florence Drummond Judith Gap to Kooskia, ID Helena Helena Melstone Ingomar PINTLER White Sulphur K Seeley Lake Ski Trails, 1 mile NE of Seeley Ismay Victor Stevensville SCENIC Elliston Plevna ROUTE Garrison Montana Springs Two Clancy Winston City Lake, 406.677.2233Dot Harlowton Miles City Deer Baker Corvallis Jefferson Martinsdale Roundup Philipsburg Lodge Hysham Forsyth

Basin GLACIER COUNTRY Hamilton City Townsend Ringling ND to Bowman, B Cross-Country Ski Centers/Trails Georgetown Lake Boulder Bighorn Rosebud Darby Anaconda L 569 Bigfork Community Nordic Center Custer Conner D Worden Ekalaka Wise Butte Wilsall Logan 2 8 miles N ofBig Bigfork, 406.837.0783 Colstrip Sula River Manhattan Pompeys Pillar 3 Dewey Three Clydewww.northshorenordic.org Park Timber Whitehall Belgrade Greycliff Silver Forks Divide Reed Point Lame DAKOTA SOUTH Star Harrison Livingston Laurel Wisdom Columbus Billings Hardin Crow Deer to Melrose Pony M Glacier Nordic Center Ashland Olive Twin Gallatin McLeod Agency Salmon, ID PIONEER Bridges Gateway CROW INDIAN MTNS Sheridan Bozeman Park 278 Norris 1200 US HwyAbsarokee 93 West, WhitefishCity RESERVATION Garryowen Busby SCENIC Rockvale NORTHERN CHEYENNE Broadus BYWAY Fishtail Saint Xavier Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding JacksonCross-Country Skiing Nevada Joliet Pryor INDIAN RESERVATION Polaris City Ennis Praywww.glaciernordicclub.comNye Roberts Lodge E Fort Smith Birney Alder 3 Emigrant Roscoe Grass At elevations perfect for downhill skiing and Offering278 a healthy, heart-happy alternative Bridger Virginia Big Sky Bannack Dillon City 1 N Essex Trail Complex, halfway between boarding, Glacier Country gets hundreds of to downhill skiing, cross-country ski trails are Red Lodge Otter Biddle Alzada Cameron C Wyola Cooke Belfry inches of snow. And it’s the dry stuff. Combine abundantGrant throughout western Montana. Don’t GardinerE. and W.Silver Glacier entrancesF to GNP, Izaak Decker Gate City 324 4 WYOMING to Belle Fourche, SD all that fluffy snow with mild temperatures forget324 Glacier National Park for yourQuake winter WaltonTower Junction Inn, Essex, 406.888.5700 WYOMING to Gillette, WY Mammoth B to Sheridan, WY Lake BEARTOOTH to Cody, WY to Lovell, WY Hot Springs www.izaakwaltoninn.comA ALL-AMERICAN ROAD and you have an exciting, comfortable winter experience on skinny skis or snowshoes. YELLOWSTONE Dell Canyon G Norris playground. Glacier Country features six See trails listed atLima wintermt.com/xcski. NATIONAL Madison Monida Lakeview O Stillwater Nordic well-rounded, full-service downhill ski and West Junction PARK Yellowstone Lake A Glacier National Park West 8 miles N of Whitefish on Beaver IDAHO to Idaho Falls, ID Thumb snowboard areas. Visit skimt.com. to Rexburg, ID Old www.wintermt.com/xcski Faithful GrantLake Road, 406.862.7004 Villagewww.stillwatermtnlodge.com 1 Blacktail Mountain, Lakeside Ski Trails in National Forests 406.844.0999

www.blacktailmountain.com Bitterroot National Forest to Grand Teton Natl Park 406.363.7100 and Jackson,Backcountry WY Skiing 2 Ski Area www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot If you’re looking for absolute solitude, we have Saltese, ID (MT/ID border) the backcountry terrain of your dreams. With 208.744.1301, www.skilookout.com B Como Lake Recreation Area proper equipment and a bit of hiking you’ll 6 miles NW of Darby access peaks and gorges filled with powder. 3 Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Conner 406.821.4298 or 406.363.4428 Other options into the backcountry include 406.821.3211, www.losttrail.com Clearwater National Forest snowmobile or snowcat. For access and guide (MT/ID border), 208.942.3113 information visit wintermt.com/snowcoaches. 4 , Missoula Go With A Pro 406.549.9777 C Lolo Pass, 45 miles SW of Missoula www.montanasnowbowl.com 208.942.3113 Learn to ski with a pro. Lesson packages include two or three days of lessons, rentals 5 Turner Mountain, Libby and lift tickets valid over the course of the 406.293.2468, www.skiturner.com 406.758.5200, www.fs.usda.gov/flathead current winter season. Check out the list of participating ski areas around the state at D Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails 6 Whitefish Mountain Resort, Whitefish wintermt.com/gowithapro. 406.862.2900, www.skiwhitefish.com 8 miles W of Lakeside, 406.837.7500

GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM 33 spots include the Blackfoot River—made KOOTENAI FALLS SWINGING BRIDGE famous by A River Runs Through It; the The narrow bridge’s ropes and trestles span Clark Fork River, which runs through the the Kootenai River just below Kootenai SNOWMOBILING IN heart of Missoula; the Middle Fork of the Falls, near Libby, which was the setting for GLACIER COUNTRY Flathead River with Glacier National Park the action film The River Wild. A forest trail The playground here is loaded: cruise snow- as its backdrop; or the Kootenai River, a leads from the highway parking lot to the covered logging roads on Forest Service quieter part of the region. Stellar fishing swinging bridge, winding through the trees land, rocket across untouched meadows or guides and outfitters can help make your and offering great river views along the dive into untracked powder. Don’t own your excursion even more enjoyable. way. It makes for an easy hike with a great own sled? Area outfitters can rent you one www.visitmt.com/fishing reward at the end. Closed in the winter. of the latest low-emission models as well as www.foam-montana.org 406.295.4693 clothing and helmets. Guides can show you www.montanaoutfitters.org www.visitmt.com/swingingbridge the ropes and secret powder stashes, too. HIKING AND SNOWSHOEING With MOTORCYCLE TOURS/ROUTES acres and acres of wilderness and Motorcycle riding in Montana provides unspoiled nature, take some time to the best of riding, including remoteness explore the many trails in our state. No and solitude. No matter what region matter where you are, a hiking trail is just you are in, there are a variety of paved off the road or a short jaunt from town. and unpaved roads to explore. For For more adventure and backpacking more information on routes, tours, rentals, opportunities, check out the longer motorcycle rallies and events, go to and more rugged hikes. As always, be visitmt.com/motorcycletours. prepared for the weather and animal encounters before heading out. ROSS CREEK CEDAR GROVE SCENIC www.visitmt.com/hiking AREA Consisting of 500-year-old giant www.visitmt.com/snowshoeing red cedars in a rain forest environment, this 100-acre scenic area is a favorite with HOT SPRINGS Whether you are looking visitors to the forests near Troy. The paved for a relaxing way to end the day or an nature trail with informational signs and invigorating morning kick-off, Glacier benches is an easy walk over mostly flat Country offers six natural hot springs, terrain. Closed in winter. all fed from geothermal wonders. 406.295.4693 Billowy powder in the Seeley- View a list of area hot springs at www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai visitmt.com/hotsprings. Popular Snowmobiling Areas: ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA TRAIL Marias Pass Trail Complex with 45 miles HIKING AREA Hike The amazing Hiawatha Rail Trail is an of groomed and 35 miles of ungroomed and fish to your heart’s content just north inspiring 15-mile mountain bike trek GLACIER COUNTRY trails between Cut Bank and Kalispell. of Bigfork at the north end of the Swan cresting the Bitterroot Mountains, Range in this specially designated hiking complete with spectacular views of alpine Flathead Valley communities of Columbia area that covers more than 15,000 acres lakes and unbroken forests. With nine Falls, Whitefish, Olney, Kalispell and and features 35 miles of diverse trails. tunnels, including the 1.8-mile Taft Tunnel, Bigfork boast over 200 miles of groomed Rocky peaks, alpine lakes, streams, and seven high trestles, the Route of the trails and nearly 60,000 acres of usable meadows and wildflowers make this truly Hiawatha on the old Milwaukee road along terrain on U.S. Forest Service land. a “jewel basin.” Montana’s western border at Lookout Haugan, De Borgia and Saltese 406.387.3800 Pass on I-90 is one of the premier rail trails in the northwest corner of the state www.visitmt.com/jewelbasin in the U.S. Open Memorial Day through offer designated trails, open meadows September. Rentals are available at and scenic views. KERR DAM At 204 feet high, Kerr Dam is Lookout Pass. Kootenai Country provides breathtaking 54 feet higher than Niagara Falls. A 1,000- 208.744.1301 views of the . foot boardwalk takes you directly above www.ridethehiawatha.com the thundering falls, where you’ll also take Lolo Pass southwest of Missoula has 250 in an amazing canyon view. Bring a picnic, SKI JORING If you’re not ready to hitch miles of groomed connecting trails in the or reserve a whitewater rafting trip nearby. yourself and your skis behind a racing Lolo and Clearwater National Forests. To get there, head west from Polson on stallion, rocket through an obstacle course Seeley Lake area is tucked between the 7th Avenue, which becomes Kerr Dam and hang on for dear life at a ski joring Mission Mountains and the Swan Range in Road, and follow the signs. Don’t forget event this winter, come watch instead— one of Montana’s most popular year-round the camera. Open all year, with tours horse-powered ski joring might be even recreation areas. available by appointment. more thrilling as a spectator sport. Catch 406.883.4450 the action in late January, followed by the Visit wintermt.com/snowmobiling www.visitmt.com/kerrdam Whitefish Winter Carnival in February. for more information.

34 GLACIER COUNTRY - VISITMT.COM MONTANA SCENIC LOOP Straddling the Continental Divide of the northern Rocky Mountains, the nearly 400-mile- long Montana Scenic Loop has it all: spectacular mountains, extensive wilderness, abundant wildlife, vast plains and charming communities. At the heart of the Montana Scenic Loop is the —flanked by the on the north and the to the south. The loop comprises three regions and 15 vibrant communities, each with its own special personality. All along the loop you will find a variety of activities, including year-round fishing. In the summer you can hike and golf in addition to many other activities. In the winter, explore a little more of the area on cross-country skis, snowshoes or even on a snowmobile.

NINEPIPE AND PABLO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES Enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife, including waterfowl Packing into the Bob Marshall Wilderness species such as mallards, northern

shovelers, gadwalls, redheads and ruddy GLACIER COUNTRY ducks, at these over 2,000-acre refuges and breeding grounds for native birds, STATE PARKS Most of the state parks in a towering coniferous forest and big Glacier Country are water-based recreation river valleys. The area contains varying both located south of Polson, within sites, so for those who like their fun with elevations of up to 9,000 feet. the boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Open all year with some a little water, this is the region for you. Go 406.758.5200 seasonal restrictions. Check the website to stateparks.mt.gov for information on www.visitmt.com/bobmarshall area parks or to reserve a campsite, cabin, or call for more information. tepee or yurt at parks that offer overnight FLATHEAD NATIONAL WILD AND 406.644.2211 stays, or call 855.922.6768. SCENIC RIVER The South, Middle and www.fws.gov/refuge/nine-pipe North Forks of the Flathead River form www.fws.gov/refuge/pablo WINTER ADVENTURES When visiting one of the nation’s longest Wild and in the winter months, don’t spend your Scenic River systems, encompassing RATTLESNAKE NATIONAL time fireside until the end of the day. There more than 215 miles across breathtaking RECREATION AREA AND are a variety of winter activities that don’t backcountry. Rafting, kayaking and fishing WILDERNESS Located only eight require a lift ticket. Try a motorless mode are all available. minutes from downtown Missoula, the Rattlesnake Recreation Area offers hiking of exploring: hook up with a dogsled guide 406.387.3800 along creeks to mountain lakes or cross- and hit the backcountry. If you want to www.visitmt.com/flatheadriver stick a little closer to home, try ice skating country skiing through pine forests and parklands. Mountain biking, camping and at one of the local rinks or sledding on LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE fishing are available in designated areas. one of our many hills, or enjoy a sleigh ride REFUGE Located in the Bitterroot through the forest. Valley south of Missoula, the refuge is This premier urban wilderness blends the best of both wilderness and civilization. www.wintermt.com surrounded by the picturesque Bitterroot and and offers 406.329.3814 www.fs.usda.gov/lolo SCENIC & WILDLIFE spectacular viewing opportunities of the landscape and wildlife. The refuge BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS holds 240 species of birds, 40 species of COMPLEX This wilderness complex totals mammals and 17 species of reptiles and a million-plus acres, runs for 60 miles amphibians. There are 2.5 miles of trails, along the Continental Divide and includes including a quarter-mile paved path in the a huge, 22-mile-long escarpment called refuge’s wildlife viewing area. These trails the Chinese Wall. It’s a fantastic place go through meadows and woodlands to camp, view wildlife, hike, pick berries along the . Open all year. and more. One of the most completely 406.777.5552 preserved mountain ecosystems in the www.fws.gov/refuge/lee_metcalf world, “The Bob” features rugged peaks, cascading waterfalls, shimmering streams,

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