As the title says I will be in western Montana next week. My wife and I are visiting some of her family. I have never been to Montana and as many of our interests on the forum are shared would appreciate some suggestions on what to visit, both scenery and businesses. I would like to visit Mystery Ranch and Cooper Rifles. Unfortunately due to the run in that my motorcycle and I had with gravity I am on crutches because of the broken tibia and surgery that followed so hiking is out for this visit. Thanks

Glacier National Park and a drive over Neartooth Pass.

I spent a week in Helena one year ago. Beautiful country.

A drive thru Glacier National Park on the Going to the Sun Road if open.

https://www.usatoday.com/story...-opening/1367928001/

Take a drive over to Red Lodge. Some Westerns were filmed there.

https://www.redlodge.com/

Also if open enter Yellowstone National Park thru the west gate just past Red Lodge if road is clear.

THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY
An All-American Road

Dubbed “the most beautiful roadway in America” by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt, the Beartooth Highway climbs to an astounding 10,947 feet above sea level. Since its completion in 1936, the Highway has awed millions of visitors with its astonishing views of one of the most rugged and wild areas in the lower 48 states.

As it winds its way from the northeastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park to Red Lodge, the Highway traverses an impressive range of ecosystems – from lush lodge pole pine forests to alpine tundra. At the highway’s summit, travelers find themselves in a sky-high world of glacial cirques, clear alpine lakes, and snow that lingers through the summer months. The brutal climate at this elevation deters the growth of trees and shrubs, and the plants that do grow here have adapted in remarkable ways. Some convert sunlight to heat, and many conserve water the way desert plants do. In late June and July, the fragile tundra blossoms in a lavish display of wildflowers – shooting stars, columbine, and Indian paintbrush, to name a few.

With 20 peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation (including Granite Peak, Montana’s highest at 12,799 feet), the Beartooth Mountains lie within the 943,377-acre Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Grizzly and black bears make their home here, as do elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goats, mountain lions and bobcats. With over 950 alpine lakes and hundreds of miles of trails, these mountains offer ample opportunities for recreation – much of it accessible from the Beartooth Highway.

Plan on at least three hours driving time to make the trip between Yellowstone and Red Lodge – more if you really want to experience the beauty of the Absaroka-Beartooth Range. Whether or not you plan to stop and explore a while on your way, be sure to pack your windbreaker and woolens for the trip: it can be a bit nippy at the summit of Yellowstone’s own Highway to the Sky.

When you’re making your travel plans, remember that due to extreme conditions, the highway is only open Memorial Day weekend through early October. Contact the US Forest Service at 406-446-2103 or the Red Lodge Visitor’s Center at 888-281-0625 for opening and closing dates.

Western Montana is a big place. If you are more specific I may be able to help.

We drove through Glacier Park today and saw a momma black bear a 2 cubs from 10 feet. Lots of neat places in the Kalispell area.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by mcrimm:
Western Montana is a big place. If you are more specific I may be able to help.

We drove through Glacier Park today and saw a momma black bear a 2 cubs from 10 feet. Lots of neat places in the Kalispell area.

Mike

Will be flying into and staying in Helena.

Helena is a great town. If you are into history the down town area is full of it. The Capital and State Museum are worth a visit. They also have a few nice guns shops.

I live in Helena, if you are gonna be in this part of the state, being on crutches limits you to the several good breweries. I'll buy the first one

I grew up in Libby, but Kalispell, Polson and Flathead lake is a go to if you are near. Enjoy your visit.

Really appreciate it guys, keep em comin.

quote:

Originally posted by TRshootem:
I live in Helena, if you are gonna be in this part of the state, being on crutches limits you to the several good breweries. I'll buy the first one

I grew up in Libby, but Kalispell, Polson and Flathead lake is a go to if you are near. Enjoy your visit.

Appreciate it but might not go well with the Hydrocodone

Take an hour or so and walk the State Capital and look at the wonderful art. Yes I saw your on crutches, but take your time. You might meet some very nice people walking around.

https://mhs.mt.gov/education/Capitol/Art

i have not been on the boat tour but check it out. The area if nothing else. If your family has a boat, use it.

http://www.gatesofthemountains.com/

I would visit Hungry Horse.

I would skip Glacier this time of year. A frigg'in zoo. Many obviously would disagree.
It is beautiful.

Bad Betty's Barbecue near the US District Courthouse.

If you go to Glacier NP, be sure to ride the red touring cars. I was there in 2013 and took pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157709326963332/.

Photo of me with the red touring car:

DSC_1753.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr

flashguy

The road from Red Lodge through Beartooth Pass actually brings you to Yellowstone's northeast entrance.

A friend of mine's son is at the summer ski camp at the top of the pass right now.

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
If you go to Glacier NP, be sure to ride the red touring cars. I was there in 2013 and took pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157709326963332/.

Photo of me with the red touring car:

DSC_1753.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr

flashguy

Looks like you had a good time Flash!

Oh, I did!

flashguy

I only visited once so I can’t speak to local favorites like out other friends here. But, If your coming from the east coast be prepared for the massive distances involved. West Yellowstone to Missoula is a 4+ hour drive for example. Doesn’t look like it on the map though. I will say the natural scenery of the west including MT is amazing.

RMEF headquarters is in Missoula, as is Big Sky Brewing.
Double H hats in Darby, MT for a custom made hat.
Hamilton has an excellent restaurant, Spice of Life, it seems it was in an old bank or something similar downtown. Nips is another eatery, more a burger place.
HSM ammo is located in Stevensville, MT. If you are into traditional archery the general area is simply ate up with bowyers, get fitted for a custom bow.

Bozeman is a fun town with museums and good restaurants. It's too bad that you are on clutches because it's a great walking around town.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
Bozeman is a fun town with museums and good restaurants. It's too bad that you are on clutches because it's a great walking around town.

Jim

I think there's a computer museum there. I planned to visit it when I went through in 2017, but it was closed the day I was there (Monday).

flashguy