Montana’s landscape features contrasts between numerous scenic mountain vistas and nearly endless, fertile grasslands.  The southwestern region boasts of a “tale of two valleys.”

At the epicenter of these twin valleys lies the Madison Range, which covers an area measuring approximately 80 miles in length and 25 miles across.  The range’s name reflects upon the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery into the region between 1804 and 1805.  This mountainous mass is named for James Madison, the young nation’s Secretary of State.

The eastern slopes of the Madison Range descend into the Gallatin Valley, which is bisected by the Gallatin River.  In honoring the country’s Secretary of the Treasury, Albert Gallatin, the river is also named by Lewis and Clark.   The western slopes of the Madison Range flow into the Madison Valley, which surrounds the Madison River (also named for James Madison). 

left:  house rock on the gallatin river (courtesy of pinterest).  right:  madison river flows toward its RENDEZVOUS with the headwaters of the MISSOURI river (from my personal collection).

Many wilderness areas offer countless outdoor adventures and experiences.  In the Gallatin Valley, some of these include Bear Trap Canyon, Spanish Peaks, and the Monument Mountains.  The Gallatin River serves as a welcome center for trout fishing as well as providing whitewater excitement for rafters and kayakers.

The Madison Valley features numerous lakes and creeks, which are tied into the Madison River system.  These include Ennis Lake, Hebgen Lake, Beaver Creek, Falls Creek, and Spanish Creek.  Many opportunities await visitors:  blue-ribbon trout fishing, hiking trails, and numerous campgrounds.

left:  whitewater rafting on the gallatin river.  right:  fly fishing on the madison river.  (both photos courtesy of pinterest)

Within the Gallatin Valley, Big Sky Resort remains one of the jewels of America’s best alpine ski areas.  At its heart rises Lone Mountain’s elevation of 11,316 feet.  With a vertical drop of 4,350 feet and nearly 5,800 acres, Big Sky is destined to always be a skier’s paradise.

On the other side of the Madison Range lies the charming community of Ennis.  Well-known for its western hospitality and active civic calendar, this town embraces the best of the West.

left:  winter ski run at big sky.  right:  the ennis cafe makes for an excellent meal stop.  (both photos from my personal collection)

One often forgotten detail from the Gallatin River’s history is the fact that many of the memorable river scenes for filmmaker Robert Redford’s “A River Runs Through It” are filmed on this river.  In reality, the book’s main river is the Big Blackfoot, which is located just a few miles from the city of Missoula.

left:  hebgen lake view with the dam in the background.  right:  the spinx mountain peak is a prominent feature above the madison valley.  (both photos from my private collection)