Great Falls: N40 Style
"Local"... the term seems to be batted around a lot these days. At North 40 Outfitters, one of the things we pride ourselves on is the connection we have with the communities we serve. Each store is a solution center for the needs of the people in the area.
Our employees are passionate about knowing the answers to all the "local" questions, and along those lines we have put together an exclusive list of things to do in Great Falls, Montana.
Check it out and find out what it is about this area that makes it special to everybody.
Check out our location before you go out!
Lost Lake- North of the Highwoods. This lake is a remnant from the ice age and is associated with the Shonkin Sag. The cliff walls at Lost Lake tell that story.
Ulm Pishkun- The name comes from a Blackfeet word that translates to "deep blood kettle." This historic buffalo jump is located in the just 10 miles south of GF.
Milligan Hill- Just south of Great Falls, near Ulm Montana. Great views of the Smith and the Mo. Mount Cecelia isn't far either.
Kings Hill- A premiere spot for hiking or winter sports. This is a spectacular attraction for all people, whether driving, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling. Whatever season, whatever reason get over to Kings.
Sulphur Springs- Rome has her baths, and Montana has White Sulphur Springs. Both claim to have medical properties, but only one is located about two hours from Great Falls.
Gates of the Mountains- Meriwether Lewis, July 19, 1805 writes: "These clifts rise from the waters edge on either side perpendicularly to the hight of 1200 feet," (sic): nothing has changed since he wrote, and the Gates are still an awesome sight.
Lick Creek Cave- This one's in the Little Belts and that's all we'll say. Ask one of our Great Falls employees if you're interested in finding this place.
Don't forget your head lamps when you go to Lick Creek Caverns.
Smith River- This is a tributary of the Mo and a Blue Ribbon trout fishery with only one put-in and put-out for the entire 59 mile stretch. A North 40 Fly Shop "Top Spot" get in on this one.
Electric City- The moniker "Electric City" comes from the many falls in the city that have provided hydroelectric energy for years. Great Falls was designed as a railway city by a man named Paris Gibson and built on a grid system with 886 acres for city parks.
Holter [Lake]- Puts the "play" in work and play. Famous for its recreational facilities which include campgrounds, boating, horse riding, fishing, wildlife observation - you can do it all here. Ask us about the prairie dog town.
Memorial Falls- Just off Highway 89, this one hour hike is highly recommended for summertime to mid-autumn. Pack a lunch and some good shoes it's a non-motorized trail.
Bob Marshall- The Bob is a designated wilderness area that extends for over 60 miles and contains over one million acres of road less back country. This extensive area is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
You're going to need these if you go out to the Bob.
The Bench- Self-proclaimed as the "Malt Barley Capital of the World," the Fairfield Bench boasts a golf course and is right by Freeze-out Lake Montana's primary snow goose staging area where 300,000 geese and tundra swans gather. Ask us for best times to travel.
Black Eagle Reservoir- The little stretch of river that starts just under Black Eagle Dam
Mount Cecelia - Our mascot mountain peak, known for its unique shape. Located outside of Cascade, MT in the Big Belt Mountains.
The [Missouri River] Breaks- The Breaks are 375,000 acres of BLM land with an astounding array of wildlife and visual monuments. The Breaks are hard to access, and, as a result, one of the best places to go for solitude. The Mo's always been the lifeblood of Montana, but the Breaks are so remote that this is where criminals went to escape the law. A must see. Remember to pack your gear- you won't find a diner or a convenience store on this trip. Ask us what you'll need.
Going to the Breaks? You'll want to read this.
Sun River Range- Mark this down on your calendar: May 15th. This is one of the best elk antler hunts you can get on in Montana. There will be a crowd so get there early if it isn't May this is still an amazing game range.
Roe River- The Roe River runs between Giant Springs and The Mo. It's 201 feet long and is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the shortest river in the world. Great place for the kids!
Little Belts- Our section of the Rocky Mountains. Not only can you hike and hunt and fish you can find silver or sapphires out of Yogo Creek.
Highwoods- It's remote. Almost people-less. A mecca of smooth trails for hiking or biking. Go.
The Mo- The Missouri. Needs no explanation. Check with our fly shop or sporting goods to map your plans.
Golden Triangle- An area centered on Great Falls with ideal wheat growing conditions.
Chinese Wall - A sweeping wall of sheer stone averaging 1,000 feet set back in the Bob. Grizzly country. Untouched.
Sluice Boxes- The summertime spot for all Great Falls locals. Stunning cliffs and amazing swimming. Just ask about it.
Big Spring Creek- A superb fishery running out of Lewiston. The largest spring creek in Montana. A great fly fishing spot.
The Falls - Great Falls takes its name from the series of five waterfalls: Black Eagle Falls, Colter Falls, Rainbow Falls, Horseshoe Falls and, of course, the Great Falls of the Missouri. Walk the Rivers' Edge trail. You won't regret it.