Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

73 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org E N T E RTA I N M E N T BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS The Rocky Mountain Front lies just to the west of Great Falls and is the preferred entryway to the massive Bob Marshall Wilderness complex often referred to as the crown jewel of America's wilderness areas. "The Bob" is one of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the lower 48 states, extending more than 60 miles along the Continental Divide. No roads cross the more the 1,000,000 acres that is haven to almost every big-game species in North America, including the grizzly bear and wolf. Within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is the Sun River Game Preserve. The preserve is west of Augusta, in the backcountry west of the North and South forks of the Sun River and runs to the Continental Divide. It is the summer home for the Sun River elk herd. The Sun River Wildlife Management Area is farther out on the Rocky Mountain Front west of Augusta and is wintering ground for the elk herd. The preserve, accessible on foot or horseback, is 195,877 acres, and encompasses the Chinese Wall, a Rocky Mountain Front landmark. The preserve is one of the few remaining that were established in the early 1900s by the Montana Legislature. Website: thebmwf.org MEMORIAL FALLS This is a rewarding hike for all ages! Located 1.6 miles southeast of Neihart on US Hwy 89. The trailhead is on the east side of the road. Memorial Creek canyon is surrounded by amazing cliffs and lots of trees for shade with very dramatic light contrasts making for great photos. The trail is in good condition and is only about .25 miles up a narrow footpath to the lower falls. Then, depending on which way you go, another 3-10 minutes to the upper falls. At the lower falls, there is a resting bench and a junction for two paths to get the second falls. There are no alternative routes leading off the main path, which tapers into heavy bushes and steep inclines shortly after the upper falls. Enjoy this marvel of the Little Belts and remember to respect this wonderful resource! KINGS HILL SCENIC BYWAY Passing through the Lewis and Clark National Forest and Little Belt Mountains, the Kings Hill Scenic Byway allows travelers to leisurely savor the rugged beauty and invigorating fresh air that are part of the Montana experience. Stretching 71 miles along Highway 89, the Byway winds its way through pristine mountain lakes and streams and is home to an abundant variety of wildlife. The gravel roads crisscrossing the main highway lead to 450 miles of spectacular mountain scenery, high country lakes, trailheads, campgrounds, and old mines. Located just south of Kings Hill Pass, Showdown Ski Area offers 1,400 feet of vertical drop and 34 runs. Fishing, floating, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling are just a few of the many activities available in this rugged country that stands waiting to be explored. There is 200 miles of marked snowmobile trails available from the Kings Hill Snowmobile parking lot just north of Showdown Ski Area. From the same location Nordic skiing is available at Silvercrest, a 17-mile-long cross-country ski trail system of 1 ungroomed and 3 groomed trails. Other Recreational Opportunities along the Kings Hill Byway include: the Charles M. Bair Museum one mile south of the Martinsdale turnoff on Highway 12, the Castle Museum in White Sulphur Springs, and the Belt Museum located in the town of Belt. Two of Montana's historic mining sites include the Glory Hole and Neihart Star. Float 60 miles of the exciting, scenic Smith River. Reservations required. A hot mineral spring is available at White Sulphur Springs. Lake Sutherlin and Newlan Creek Reservoir provide access to boating opportunities. There is 860 miles of trails for exploration. Photo: Great Falls Montana Tourism

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