Local Area

Montana
Few periods of American history have been as gloriously and romantically depicted as the era of the development of the West. Painters such as Montanan C. M. Russell immortalized scenes of life from that time. Early settlers left their descriptions in journals for future generations. Today, movies and television attempt to give audiences a sense of life in the Old West. It is not difficult to find places in Montana that time seems to have forgotten. Ghost towns, from the periods of fur, land and gold rushes, haunt the Montana plains.

It is not difficult for an imaginative traveler to envision vast herds of buffalo or cattle roaming the still, empty stretches of gently rolling hills. Throughout the state are awesome, jagged mountains, arrogantly rising out of the otherwise flat landscape against the backdrop of the Big Sky.

More than 1,500 lakes dot the land. They range in size from glacial potholes to the 38-mile long Flathead Lake. The Missouri, Yellowstone and Madison are but a few of the rivers meandering through the state. For trappers and early settlers, the rivers were a much needed means of transportation.

Many of the rivers, lakes and streams have changed little since man first saw them. There are areas preserved by law—primitive land where roads will never be built and the wild beauty of the scenery remains unblemished. Montana is known as the Treasure State. Part of that stems from the rich, scenic beauty. Also, the state's mines contain gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc.

Montana Wildlife
One of the Treasure State's greatest prizes is its wildlife. From the eastern prairies and badlands to the rugged mountains of western Montana, this wealth is intended for the enjoyment of all.

Big game populations include moose, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, mountain sheep, mountain goats, grizzly and black bear and wolf. Fur-bearing animals include beaver, mink, otter and muskrat. In addition, fishers are found in the state (but are protected), while marten are trapped during the years of abundance.

Other animals include coyote, wolverine, mountain lion, bobcat, lynx, weasel, badger, skunk, raccoon, red fox and porcupine also call Montana home. Game birds found in the state include sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, Franklin's grouse, blue and ruffled grouse, ringnecked pheasant, Hungarian partridge, chuchar partridge, wild turkey and ptarmigan.

Montana's streams and lakes sport such game fish as rainbow cutthroat, brown, brook, mackinaw and grayling trout, Kokanee (sockeye salmon), coho (silver salmon), walleye, northern pike, bass, paddlefish, yellow perch, catfish, bluegill and ling.

For information about hunting and fishing in Montana, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 1420 E. Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620, or call the District 4 Headquarters northwest of Great Falls at (406) 454-5840.

Fish and Game
A tour of duty at Malmstrom can be a memorable experience if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Elk hunting is confined to the mountainous part of the state and the Missouri River Breaks country. Elk are typically scattered in small bands which make up a good population overall. Early morning and late evening searches of open parks, slides, burned, logged and blowndown places are a good system of hunting. Logging roads traverse much of the timber country but snow can choke many of them off early in the season.

Most of the foothill and slope areas along the mountains offer good mule deer hunting. As the mountains are topped and one moves west, the domain of the mule deer gives way to whitetail range.

Grizzlies live and thrive in the remote backcountry of Montana. Only Alaska, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho have a significant number of grizzlies left in the U.S. Practically all of the grizzly range lies within the Swan drainage of the Mission Range, South and Middle Forks of the Flathead, Sun River area, Upper Blackfoot and the Cabinet Mountains. Grizzly seasons run concurrently with deer and elk seasons in the corresponding hunting districts. Nearly all of Montana west of the Continental Divide and the eastern slopes of the main divide offer black bear hunting. Since goats live in more precipitous terrain, the goat hunter should expect to do some climbing during his hunt and should take stock of his physical capabilities before heading for the mountains. Several areas are annually open to mountain sheep hunting. Sheep are scattered and hunter success has been quite low. Hunting is usually limited to rams with three-fourths curlhorn.

There are a great number of good antelope areas in Montana, but competition for permits is keen for a large part of the state. The real antelope country takes in a large chunk of southeastern and east-central Montana. Because of the relatively sparse human population in southeastern Montana, and the large number of antelope, this area is the best to apply for. Some of the best duck hunting is to be found in the north-central part of the state. Good duck hunting may also be found in the water areas in the mountain regions of western Montana. Canadian geese dominate Montana's wild geese population, and the beautiful snow goose is often found in large numbers through central Montana during the fall hunting season.

Hunting seasons for both prairie and mountain grouse are usually open concurrently. Seasons are normally in September. Mountain grouse hunting is found in most mountainous country. Most hunters use roads in the higher ridges and then work stream bottoms and ridges.

In general, the pheasant is found in greatest numbers along the stream bottoms and throughout irrigated valleys and bench lands below. Among puddle ducks, the hunter will find mallards the most abundant species. Early in the season, canvasbacks, redheads and baldpates make up the bulk of the hunting. Yes, there is dove season in Montana. It falls in the same schedule as upland game birds. Excellent turkey hunting can be found in the Missouri and Judith Breaks north of Lewistown.

Montana's vast and beautiful outdoors provides fishing in abundance, not only in numbers, but also in variety. Twenty-thousand miles of streams and rivers, more than six thousand lakes and perhaps 75,000 ranch ponds and reservoirs provide a wide variety of fishing. Brook, brown, rainbow, cutthroat, Mackinaw, Bull and grayling are all found in the crystal clear waters. Northern pike fishing is fabulous in Fort Peck Reservoir while bass are taken in War Horse Reservoir near Lewistown.

Parks and Recreation Areas
If you enjoy traveling about the state, the following areas will provide majestic scenery as well as a place to picnic and relax:
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is an underground wonderland of colorful limestone. Naturally air conditioned with a maintained temperature of 50 degrees year-round, the caverns are electrically lighted, safe and comfortable to visit.

Canyon Ferry Recreational Area is located on the shores of a lake formed by a Missouri River dam. This area is popular with picnic enthusiasts, campers, boaters and fishermen. Boat launching facilities are available.
Clark Canyon Reservoir Area is a recreation area 20 miles south of Dillon off Interstate 15. It is one of Montana's newest areas open for picnics, fishing, swimming, boating and camping.

Deadman's Basin Reservoir Recreation Area lies 29 miles east of Harlowton off U.S. Highway 12. Fishing, swimming, boating and picnic facilities are available.

Fort Peck Reservoir has two state parks. One is Rock Creek located 35 miles south of the spillway and the other is Hell Creek located 25 miles north of Jordan. Camping, picnic facilities and water sports are offered at each park.

Hooper State Park offers facilities in a beautiful forest setting west of Rogers Pass near Lincoln.

James Kipp State Park offers top-notch facilities within the banks of the Missouri River with a natural gravel boat launch.

Lost Creek State Park features Lost Creek Falls where sparkling water cascades over sheer rock in a setting of evergreens, willow and aspens. Lost Creek Sows through the bottom of a 3,000 foot canyon topped with towering limestone pinnacles.

Makoshika State Park is an outstanding badlands area in eastern Montana, where centuries of wind and water have eroded limestone cliffs into strange and wonderful formations. Early morning and late evening sunlight add special charm to the scenery. The word "Makoshika" is Sioux for "hell cooled over."

Medicine Rock State Park preserves striking sandstone rock formations—spiral columns, archways, caves and so on. Indians once held medicine dances here.

Painted Rocks Reservoir Recreation Area near Hamilton is open to picnic fans, boaters, fishermen, swimmers and campers. The name "Painted Rocks" comes from the multi-hued rocks and cliffs surrounding the lake.

Thompson Falls State Park is located on the shores of Noxon Reservoir. Camping and picnic facilities are available.

Flathead Lake is one of three state parks located on the Flathead, a deep blue, freshwater lake fed by sparkling mountain streams flowing down from the snowcapped peaks of the Montana Rockies. Adjacent to the highway and easily accessible, the park itself lies along 1,500 feet of shoreline. Camping is permitted with designated areas for parking trailers. Small boats may be launched and there are swimming and fishing facilities.

YELLOWSTONE
Despite the devastating forest fires of 1988, Yellowstone remains an awesome natural wonder. There is a wide range of accommodations available to suit every budget, from unfurnished cabins to luxurious hotel suites. Hotels are located at Mammoth Lake and Old Faithful. There are also lodge facilities at Canyon Village and Grant. Choice of cabins of all types and prices at main locations can be found as well as camper cabins at Fishing Bridge, Canyon and West Thumb. Yellowstone is an animal-watcher's paradise, with large herds of bison, elk and deer for your viewing pleasure. The famous bears still live in the park in large numbers as well.

Among the species of fish found in Yellowstone Park are the rare Montana grayling and cutthroat, rainbow and Rock Leven or brown trout. Yellowstone Lake offers good fishing and boats and tackle may be rented. Visitors will enjoy the unique Fishing Bridge on the Yellowstone River between Yellowstone Falls and Yellowstone Lake. No state fishing license is required within the boundaries of Yellowstone Park during the fishing seasons. Fishing regulations for the park area may be picked up at park entrances.

Three of the five entrances to Yellowstone National Park are located in Montana. These are at Cooke City, via U.S. Highway 212; at Gardiner, via U.S. Highway 89; and at West Yellowstone, via U.S. Highway 191 and 287.

Questions should be sent directly to park headquarters. Please send all inquiries to P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Glacier National Park is also called International Peace Park. The Canadian portion is known as Waterton Lakes National Park. The park covers nearly 1,600 square miles and straddles the Continental Divide. Although it is rimmed by roads, there is only one highway across—the Going-to-the-Sun Highway—which is not always open (due to snow), but is always spectacular.

Something is always going on—golf, tennis, fishing, horseback riding, excursion boats, croquet, archery, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, cookouts, swimming, picnics, sightseeing, pack trips and so on. Night activities include dancing, cocktails, lectures, movies, talent shows, musical varieties, Indian ceremonials, card parties, sketch and paint classes and many more.

There is a variety of big game, protected by strict law. During a visit to Glacier, you may see moose, deer, bear, elk, mountain goats and sheep as well as mountain lions, wolves and even an occasional magnificent, but dangerous, grizzly bear.

The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, elevation 6,664 feet. The normal season is from June through September, although the highway is normally open until about the middle of October.

The best way to see the park is by trails. Glacier has more than 700 miles of trails, enabling the adventurer to reach the remote areas on foot or by horseback. The Waterton Valley, Bowman and Kintla Lake Valleys and the Belly River country are magnificent and isolated areas.

No fishing license is required inside the park boundaries. The lakes and streams of the park support fine populations of cutthroat, eastern brook, rainbow and Dolly Varden or bull trout. Large mackinaw trout are found in St. Mary's Lake, Crossley and Waterton Lakes. The opening of fishing season coincides with the State of Montana fishing season, hence the third Saturday in May, and closes Nov. 30. Fishermen are asked to report their catches to the nearest park ranger. Headquarters of the park are at West Glacier. Inquiries or comments about the park should be addressed to P.O. Box 128, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936.

SKIING
Montana has many ski areas, most of which are usually open from November through May. The closest skiing facility to Malmstrom is the Showdown Mountain Ski area near Neihart, approximately 65 miles southeast of the base. There are extensive slopes for beginners, intermediates, advanced and expert skiers. Classes and private downhill ski and snowboard instructions are held daily throughout the ski season. Lift facilities include one triple chairlift and two double chairlifts, and one conveyor. Other facilities include the Hole-In-The-Wall Saloon, Kings Hill Grill, Day Lodge, Kidstuff Nursery, Skiers Edge Pro Shop and full service rental shop. Call the Recreation Center for further information regarding ski seasons, transportation, etc. The Silver Crest Cross Country area near Showdown offers approximately 12 kilometers of groomed trails.

Other skiing areas and facilities available throughout Montana are: Teton Pass, 28 miles west of Choteau; Red Lodge Mountain near Billings; Bridger Bowl and Moonlight, and Big Sky near Bozeman which boast the highest vertical drop in the United States; Discovery, Butte; Polaris/Maverick Mountain; Snow Bowl, Missoula; Big Mountain, Whitefish (also Blacktail near Lakeside) and Turner Mountain in Libby.

Cities and Points of Interest
GREAT FALLS
Malmstrom is located in north central Montana, just outside the city of Great Falls. The climate is moderate, the air clean and pure, the humidity low and the sun illuminates the Big Sky for as long as 16 hours during the summer. Average temperature during January is a crisp 22 degrees while July averages a comfortable 83 degrees. On the average, the area receives five feet of snow fall annually. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition took note of this area, describing it as "The Great Falls of the Missouri" in their journals. Eighty-five years later, the first of five dams harnessing the mighty Missouri was completed. By that time, the young city had grown out of the planning stages into a community boasting a smelter, a hotel, a school, a newspaper and a church.

Paris Gibson Park in Great Falls was named after one of the founders of the city. In 1882, Paris Gibson, of Minneapolis, surveyed the region with James J. Hill, founder of the Great Northern Railroad. They began dreaming of a planned city and, by 1884, turned that dream into a reality. Today, the population of Great Falls is over 58,000, making it Montana's third largest city.

Great Falls has much to offer the shopper. The downtown area is filled with dozens of stores to meet every shopping need. At the heart of the city is Times Square, featuring 15 stores and services from which to choose.

Along the "strip"—10th Avenue South—many restaurants make their home, from famous fast food stops to exotic international cuisine. You'll also find Holiday Village Mall on the strip. This 92-store complex features women's fashions, men's clothing, shoe stores, jewelers, a variety of restaurants and more.

For more information about the area, call the Chamber of Commerce at (406) 761-4434.

C. M. RUSSELL MUSEUM
This world-renowned museum, encompassing an entire city block, houses the most complete collection of the works of Charles Marion Russell—America's "cowboy artist." The complex includes a museum, Russell's original log cabin studio and his home. The permanent collection contains over 7,500 items, including oils, watercolors, bronzes, illustrated letters and memorabilia. It is located at 400 13th St. North. For more information, call (406) 727-8787.

PARIS GIBSON SQUARE
Contemporary and historical exhibitions are shown year-round in the three main galleries. Built in 1895 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the square houses a museum and art galleries. Lecture series, classes and workshops are also offered. Call (406) 727-8255 for more information.

MONTANA STATE FAIR
Held annually the last full week of July, the fair includes a rodeo, horse racing, agricultural and livestock exhibits, commercial exhibits, rides, food concessions and evening shows featuring well-known national entertainers. For more information about the fair, call (406) 727-8900.

GIANT SPRINGS STATE PARK
Four miles northeast of the city on River Drive North, Giant Springs is one of the largest fresh water springs in the world. First discovered by Lewis and Clark in 1805, the springs flow at a measured rate of 156 million gallons of water per day—a veritable underground river. Lovely picnic grounds and a state fish hatchery are adjacent to the springs. The park is also the site of the Roe River—the shortest river in the world. Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks at (406) 454-5840 for more information about the park.

GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS
Situated just off Interstate 15 about 70 miles south of Great Falls lies this historic wilderness site, discovered and named by Lewis and Clark in 1806. Sheer cliffs rise 1,200 feet above the Missouri River and motor launch trips can be made through the "gates" to lovely picnic grounds.

BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS
Just 75 miles west of Great Falls lies this summer range for three major elk herds and some of the finest back country fishing in the West. Unbelievable scenic beauty is highlighted by a vast escarpment known as the "Chinese Wall." It averages 1,000 feet in height and extends 22 miles along the Continental Divide. There are only three passes where saddle stock can travel through the "Chinese Wall."

ULM PISHKUN

Pishkun is the Indian name for a buffalo jump or kill area. The Ulm Pishkun was used by Indians for nearly a thousand years to provide the basic necessities of life. Trails through the Ulm Pishkun Monument allow a visitor to view the deposits of bones left for centuries, along with the teepee rings left from Indian encampments. A prairie dog town is located on the bluff along the entrance roadway. Go south and west on Interstate 15 to Ulm, turn right at the interchange and follow the signs to the pishkun.  read more...

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