Helena National Forest
The Helena National Forest, situated in west-central Montana and encompassing the capital city of Helena, spans an impressive 976,000 acres. As one of the ten national forests in the state, it boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes, ranging from low-elevation sagebrush-covered rangelands to towering peaks reaching heights of over 9,400 feet.
This forest is roughly divided into two main sections. The western portion, delineated by the Continental Divide, extends from the southern edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness to just east of Deer Lodge. The eastern portion lies within the Big Belt mountain range, stretching from the southern boundary of the Beartooth Game Range to just east of Townsend.
Within the Helena National Forest, visitors can explore the Gates of the Mountain Wilderness Area and a segment of the Scapegoat Wilderness Area. These pristine wilderness areas offer opportunities for solitude and immersion in unspoiled natural beauty.
Wildlife abounds in the forest, with notable big-game species such as bear, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, whitetail deer, and Rocky Mountain goats. Birdwatchers and photographers will delight in the variety of songbirds, raptors, and other avian species that inhabit the area, including hawks, eagles, and owls.
Traversing the forest's trails, nature enthusiasts may encounter a diverse array of smaller mammals, including gophers, chipmunks, beavers, porcupines, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels. From shaded groves to windswept ranges, the Helena National Forest offers countless opportunities for observation and photography of its rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.
The Helena National Forest, situated in west-central Montana and encompassing the capital city of Helena, spans an impressive 976,000 acres. As one of the ten national forests in the state, it boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes, ranging from low-elevation sagebrush-covered rangelands to towering peaks reaching heights of over 9,400 feet.
This forest is roughly divided into two main sections. The western portion, delineated by the Continental Divide, extends from the southern edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness to just east of Deer Lodge. The eastern portion lies within the Big Belt mountain range, stretching from the southern boundary of the Beartooth Game Range to just east of Townsend.
Within the Helena National Forest, visitors can explore the Gates of the Mountain Wilderness Area and a segment of the Scapegoat Wilderness Area. These pristine wilderness areas offer opportunities for solitude and immersion in unspoiled natural beauty.
Wildlife abounds in the forest, with notable big-game species such as bear, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, whitetail deer, and Rocky Mountain goats. Birdwatchers and photographers will delight in the variety of songbirds, raptors, and other avian species that inhabit the area, including hawks, eagles, and owls.
Traversing the forest's trails, nature enthusiasts may encounter a diverse array of smaller mammals, including gophers, chipmunks, beavers, porcupines, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels. From shaded groves to windswept ranges, the Helena National Forest offers countless opportunities for observation and photography of its rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.
