Hiking, Bushwhacking and Strolling in Montana

The day after the paragliding maneuvers course we had a couple hours in the morning to go for a hike  at Missouri Headwaters State Park near Three Forks, MT. Both the park and the city so named because the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers come together here to form the Missouri River.

Beautiful scenery and definitely nothing strenuous about the hiking!

The next day we started in the direction of home but did some internet searches to see what we could find in the way of hiking trails along the way. Kings Hill Pass trail seemed reasonable . . . difficulty rating was "hard" but it was a loop trail and 7.5 miles would make a pleasant half day. Andrew downloaded the trail map from AllTrails.com which we've had good luck with in the past.

Several hours later of up and downhill bushwhacking and following very old and overgrown logging trails we'd gone about 6 miles and our route was some vague resemblance of loop back to the car. I'm not convinced there's an actual trail here other than the old logging roads!

Following an old logging road.

Bush whacking.

We were "up there" somewhere before bushwhacking our way back down to the valley and creek.

The following morning, we took a stroll in Riverside Park in Great Falls to get at least a little bit of exercise before seriously hitting the road for home. The "river trail" in Great Falls is almost within arm's reach of the waters' edge and a main road on either side. The park, while beautiful, is on the other side of the road. I know I'm biased but, once again, I'm so thankful for the Meewasin Valley Authority and the foresight that City Councils of years gone by had in protecting Saskatoon's riverbank from development.

This rock wall and arch was built circa 1932. The log cabin in the background was the first permanent structure built in Great Falls in 1884 and this is its third location. 

Beautiful stained glass.

A lovely home for ducks, geese and swans. 

The old and beautifully restored railway station, with its distinctive tower, sits at one end of the park.