Unexplored Wonder: The Forgotten Montana Side of Yellowstone National Park
Tucked away in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the state of Montana is often associated with grandeur, breathtaking landscapes, and adventure. Amidst this majestic scenery, lies a hidden gem: the lesser-known Montana side of Yellowstone National Park. While most visitors flock to the iconic Wyoming side of the park, the eastern Montana borders of Yellowstone are a treasure trove of natural wonders, awaiting eager explorers.
Exploring the Montana Yellowstone Interface
Stretching over 140,000 acres in southeastern Montana, the northeastern boundary of Yellowstone National Park is home to an ever-changing landscape of prairies, forests, rivers, and mountains. From the Bear’s Tooth formation to the rolling hills and valleys of the Currant Creek drainage, each region showcases the geological turmoil that birthed America’s first national park. Volcanic ash, volcanic rocks, and geologic formations speak to the rich history of this unique territory.
Wildlife Wonderlands and Scenic Landscapes
Venturing into Montana’s Yellowstone countryside, the visitor is often greeted by an explosion of wildlife viewing opportunities. Home to some of the rarest and most elusive mammals in the country, from grizzly bears and bison to elk, moose, and deer, Montana Yellowstone is an angler and photographer’s paradise. And with 1,600 miles of rivers, there’s endless opportunities to indulge in some of the region’s exceptional fly-fishing.
From the mist-covered peaks of the Beartooth Mountains to the serpentine curves of the Yellowstone River, this untouched landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, inviting wanderers to marvel at nature’s beauty without the throngs of human activity.
Montana’s Contribution to Yellowstone History
Historically, the Montana Yellowstone region has contributed significantly to the preservation and understanding of the world-famous geothermal site that is Old Faithful and the hot springs at Mystic Falls. The unique, mineral-rich waters, believed to contain healing properties by Native American tribes, enticed pioneers and early tourists to Montana’s side, leading to the creation of the country’s first national park in 1872.
The region has hosted numerous prominent figures in US history, including Ferdinand Vandiveer Hayden, Louis and Clark, and Ida Tarbell, writer of The Story of the Past and sister of Ellsworth ‘Dad’ Fairbanks.
Experience the Hidden Frontier
Reaching Montana Yellowstone requires minimal infrastructure development – a conscious decision made by park rangers and stewards of the land – to minimize human impact. Visitors eager to immerse themselves in this remote wild must traverse rugged trails by foot or horseback to reach campsites and attractions. Yet, these paths are littered with relics of yesteryear, adding to the excitement of venturing off-the-beaten-path.
Unspoiled and protected within the United States, as well as the Fort Keogh historic site and its rich Indigenous history, explore the secrets of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from our Montana shores. It might just redefine your experience as a naturalist and visitor to one of America’s most wondrous treasures.
Download image [OC] Montana side of Yellowstone (5184×3456) by TheBuffFluffStuff