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Rocks, Caves and MoreSouthwest Montana is rich with geologic formations including the Boulder batholith and Humbug Spires. This geologic story not only gave Southwest Montana a heritage of mining for precious metals, but also unique formations that can keep novice and expert rockhounds busy with many days of exploration. Lewis and Clark CavernsEast of Butte is Lewis and Clark Caverns, Montana's first and best-known state park. Naturally air conditioned, these spectacular caves, lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helicitites. Take a tour to gain an insight into the delicate ecology of this world without light. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours to hike two miles on a guided tour through the caverns. 
Ringing RocksLocated 15 miles east of Butte on I-90 at the Pipestone exit, visitors can enjoy this unique rock formation where the rocks chime when tapped lightly with a hammer. High clearance vehicles are recommended, but the area is open for hikers as well. Humbug Spires
Humbug Spires offers great opportunities for rock climbing. Located 6 miles off I-15 at Melrose, the area offers a unique experience to climb the spires which offers great vistas of the Pioneer Mountains. Crystal ParkBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest 
Crystal Park is located on the Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway between Wise River and Polaris. Enjoy a day of digging for your own smoky and amethyst quartz crystals. A $5 fee is charged for each vehicle. |
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Paul's Recommended Fishing Holes
Paul Vang is an outdoor writer and dedicated fly fisherman. Butte's location right along the Continental Divide puts us at the head of a variety of watersheds. My favorite is the Big Hole River which provides solitude and has lots of public access. The river offers excellent fly fishing; I'd say ninety percent of the fishing is done by floaters. And, the countryside is relatively unspoiled. It's a priceless resource. Butte is also convenient to rivers on the east side of the Divide, like the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone and Missouri. Many smaller streams and creeks offer good fishing too. Southwest Montana also is one of the nation's best elk hunting areas. White tail deer can be found in the river bottoms; mule deer tend to be higher in the mountains. With all the fishing around Butte, I told my wife Kay when we moved to here, "The moving van doesn't come to our house anymore." |