Hello from the Big Sky Country

[gjack]

I just joined Airstream Forum and have already found an useful idea on mounting a generator on my trailer.

[thecatsandi]

Howdy to way up North MT.

[Bigcgar]

Hello Gjack:

I'm headed up to Big Sky Country in 2 weeks to pick up our youngest at UM Missoula, any recommendations on places to visit this time of year. We are thinking Glacier, but will it be to cold and snowy up there still. We're coming up from CO and probably driving I90 from Billings to Missoula then making decision to head north or back south to Yellowstone/Teton NP's. We are new to the Forum too and picked up our AS mid April. Have had 2 nights in it so far and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to going north to your great state. Cheers and see you on the road.

Bigcgar
2011 International 23'
Colorado

[aftermath]

Had both of my daughters live in Missoula. The oldest graduated from there while the younger one actually took classes but graduated from Montana State and finished up her nursing schooling in Billings. We love Missoula.

Red Lodge south of Billings on highway 212 is a neat place and if you are going into the park the eastern entrance is rather spectacular. This time of year might be a little soon though.

Another side trip is to take the side road, highway 1 just east of Butte. It goes through Anaconda and then Philipsburg and ties back into I-90 at Drummond. Philipsburg is a quaint little artsy sort of place and the scenery is better than that of I-90 at that particular spot.

If you stay on I-90, Deer Lodge has a Ford museum and some sort of historical penitentiary there as well. I have never stopped in here so I can't say much more.

Have a nice trip and while in Missoula, walk up to the M, have a Mo burger at the Mo Club and make sure you notice the evidence on the hill sides of the ice age lake Missoula. If you are a fly fisher you can fish the Clark Fork right in town as well as the Bitterroot.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

[RankAm]

The Red Lodge route to the Northeast Gate (not East Gate) of Yellowstone National Park is via the stunning Beartooth Highway, but the Highway typically opens (due to snow removal) not before the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. Hank

[Bigcgar]

Thanks all for your input. We are planning on visiting Philipsburg as we've heard about that place once before when we were fly fishing Rock Creek. Sounds like a cool place. Red Lodge sounds beautiful and the little research I did following your post looks awesome, unfortunately if it's closed we will have to wait for another time. A new adventure awaits and we look forward to it. "just can't wait to get on the road again".

Cheers

[jlester]

I recommend going to deer lodge (off hwy90) and visiting the first territorial prison in Montana and the car museum. They have quite a few cars and trailers to see. It is unlikely the Beartooth Hwy will be open when you get here though. If you are looking for a scenic way back to Colorado you could look at going down the west side of the state through Ennis, and quake lake. My son and I took it two years ago and really enjoyed it. There are quite a few little towns along the way. We stayed on the secondary roads all the way into Colorado.

[LFM]

Bigcgar,
You can go to Redlodge, then instead of going over the Beartooth Hwy, which will be closed, just go East of Redlodge to Bearcreek, then Belfry. At that point Hwy 310 will take you to Cody Wyo. and I would suggest on down to Thermopolis, Wyo. There are some great Hot Springs there. Then a great drive through the Wind River Canyon and to Casper.
I live on Hwy 212/310, just two miles south of where you would leave I-90 (Laurel).
Also if the RedLodge trip is when you are returning from Missoula, go from Columbus, Mt. to Red Lodge. There is no need to drive al the way to Laurel, as the road from Columbus through Absorakee and Roscoe to Red Lodge is beautiful. Stop at the Grizzley Bar in Roscoe for a fantastic meal.
Greg

[LFM]

An article in todays paper on Yellowstones East entrance opening.

Yellowstone East Entrance opens for season Friday

[montanablue]

Originally Posted by LFM

Bigcgar,
You can go to Redlodge, then instead of going over the Beartooth Hwy, which will be closed, just go East of Redlodge to Bearcreek, then Belfry. At that point Hwy 310 will take you to Cody Wyo. and I would suggest on down to Thermopolis, Wyo. There are some great Hot Springs there. Then a great drive through the Wind River Canyon and to Casper.
I live on Hwy 212/310, just two miles south of where you would leave I-90 (Laurel).
Also if the RedLodge trip is when you are returning from Missoula, go from Columbus, Mt. to Red Lodge. There is no need to drive al the way to Laurel, as the road from Columbus through Absorakee and Roscoe to Red Lodge is beautiful. Stop at the Grizzley Bar in Roscoe for a fantastic meal.
Greg

If you fly fish, go fish on the Stillwater. Just beautiful and loaded with fish.

Can you take me with you? I am here in SC and dream of fishing in MT everyday. Too many place close by to mention.

Montanablue (Rick)

[Bigcgar]

Great news on the east entrance opening. Should make for an awesome drive. Rick as far as the Stillwater that sounds great. I will be on the River for at least 5 days of my vacation and I can't wait to throw some big bugs out there for "big johnson" to take it.

[LFM]

My last name is Johnson, but first name is not big.

[Bigcgar]

Okay you got me and I know it's Hog Johnson. Just trying to keep the masses up to date and not confuse anyone...

[Michigander]

Originally Posted by gjack

I just joined Airstream Forum and have already found an useful idea on mounting a generator on my trailer.

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your first post!

[gjack]

Glacier has lots of snow, but you can see areas where the roads have been cleared. Check the GNP website for road clearing info. There are several things that might interest you to visit in Great Falls and Ft. Benton. Again check their websites.

[mefly2]

Sometimes the Going-to-the-Sun road across GNP doesn't open until July !