Feb
4
Touring the Gates of the Mountains in Montana
February 4, 2015 | Leave a Comment
One of the most unforgettable scenery that the big sky state boasts of is the wilderness called ‘Gates of the Mountains’, a verdant area of natural panorama that sits between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Helena hosts this area noted for tall cliffs rising to a height of up to 1200 feet on both sides of the Missouri River.
It was a hot evening way back in July 19, 1805, and the working Lewis & Clark expedition was steadily moving upstream in the Missouri River. The domineering beauty of the tall rocks and stone walls that spans over 5 miles has taken Meriwether ablaze with awe that he christened the place as “Gates of the Mountains.”
In 1964, a Congressional act created it as a wilderness under the administration of Helena National Forest. Bicycles, along with any mechanical vehicles, are not allowed inside of any U.S. wilderness sites. The same ban likewise holds true for motor type vehicles. This policy serves to make the “Gates of the Mountains” wilderness practically undisturbed by natural disruptive human activities, but authorizations can be granted to visitors who may want to camp in its grounds. Fishing, as well as season hunting can also be done under permission from proper authorities.
Boat tours are allowable, however, and “Gates of the Mountains” visitors get the chance to enthuse at the magnificent views of limestone walls looming over and above the river. Plenty of wildlife make the rocks such a lively sight to glimpse at, with wild animals like bighorn sheep and goats darting over it. Several species of birds, on the other hand, also make the skyline above beating with life. The list include falcons, eagles, vultures, osprey and others, which all seem to outdo each other in exhibiting their flight prowess and skills. The canyon also hosts diverse wild species like deer, black bears, ermines, beavers, otters and mountain lions. During the boat tour, another sight which is of historical interest is the scene of the Mann Gulch Fire accident back in 1949. Thirteen persons, who are members of the firefighting crew, became a casualty of that fateful accident.
The “Gates of the Mountains” is indeed a definitely excellent choice for those who are looking not only to have an experience of the wild nature under the big sky state, but also want to relive its unique history as well.
Photo Information: This photo is provided by and given credit to Paxson Woelber – on Flickr.com with permission via Creative Commons Licensing.