Montana Vacation Ideas
Big Sky, open land and majestic mountains make Montana the "Treasure State".
Ask most people what they think about Montana and they will say something like it is flat land and nothing is there.
On the contrary, Montana is filled with kayaking, rafting, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, caving, mountain biking and other adventurous possibilities.
Tons of sights such as Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, numerous stops along the Lewis & Clark Trail, wilderness areas, historic towns, and much more are waiting to be had.
Montana is a word borrowed from the Latin expression meaning "mountainous." Rugged Ridges of the Continental Divide zigzag across western Montana. The toothed peaks of Glacier Park and the ancient Beartooth plateau make Montana the perfect place for hiking and backpacking.
Big Sky Country seems endless and inviting when you're in the backcountry. Even at night it is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky.
One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the United States most pristine and untouched parts and was established in 1910.
Carved by prehistoric ice rivers it is now a land of mountain ranges. It features alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 50 magnificent glaciers and 200 dazzling lakes.
A photographer's paradise, the panorama seen from Going To The Sun Road will take your breath away.
Set in a rugged section of the northern Rockies, Glacier National Park joins Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Together they create Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park World Heritage Site.
Relatively few miles of road exist in the park's 1,600 square miles so bring your hiking boots if you want to see this picturesque landscape.
This has been how we have preserved the parks primitive and unspoiled beauty. You have never seen a spring or summer until you experience the abundance of wildflowers that you will find in Glacier National Park.
Going to the Sun Road, a spectacular 52-mile highway through Glacier, crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and traverses the immense Garden Wall.
Glacier Park has more than 700 miles of foot and horse trails. Approximately 1,200 campsites are available to car campers on a first come, first serve basis. Backcountry permits are available. The park and portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road are open year-round.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is the world's first National Park and also the largest in the United States. The area remains in the same natural state as it was more than 125 years ago.
Yellowstone contains more than 2.2 million acres and 10,000 steaming geysers, booming waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, and panoramic views.
Yellowstone is arguably the greatest wildlife sanctuary in the United States, encompassing 3,472 square miles of land.
Big Sky Country offers some great white water rafting and river trips.
The Upper Missouri is rather scenic and offers a variety of driftboat, rafting, kayaking and canoeing trips.
Fishing
In Montana lakes and larger rivers are open to fishing all year round while smaller tributaries are closed in the winter.
Spring run off makes many freestone rivers high and muddy from May until late June yet many anglers still enjoy good fishing on tailwater fisheries, spring creeks, and some smaller streams.
Fly fishers will find most waters in prime condition from late June through October, although March and April can be good before run off.
In the high country winter comes early and stays long so alpine lake fishing is confined to the summer months. Winter freezes the lakes in December and doesn't let go until March and April making ice fishing a popular Montana winter sport.
Wildlife
In Montana Antelope, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Bear, and Wolves are some of the attractions. In fact, Montana has a greater variety of wildlife than any other state in the lower 48.
Of all the places to see and things to do in the Untied States Glacier National Park is easily in the top 5 must see attractions. You will not be disappointed no mater what time of year you go. Get packed up and get going!