While at Deer Lodge, MT, we drove the Deer Lodge Circle Tour. The tour consisted of approximately 30 miles of rugged but scenic dirt roads/trails across the floor of the Deer Lodge Valley ascending the benchland into the typical scenery of the Deerlodge National Forest. Part of the tour travelled along the edge of the continental divide.
The higher altitude portions of these roads were still potholed and rutted after being closed for the winter.
Deer Lodge was named because of a large ash colored mound resembling a haystack located 17 miles south of the current city. The steam rising from nearby hot springs makes the mound look like an Indian lodge and with the many deer in the nearby swamp the Snake Indians called the area The White Tail Deer Lodge.
As you can see from these photos spring had just arrived in some of the areas.
You’re up there in my old home territory. Enjoy, and give Montana a tip of the hat for me…
Enjoying following your travels — sounds like you’re new lifestyle suits you well.
Cheers
Montana says hello and it misses you, pj! I know you’ve got great photos and memories from here and we’re certainly enjoying it. We’ll remain in MT through the end of July. Thanks.
I have been to Montana and never seem to get enough of the Big Sky Country!
We can certainly understand those sentiments, Steve. It certainly opens up one’s spirit.
That’s some gorgeous country out there, Brooks. I love the look of the distant mountain scenes and really like the gnarly tree.
It is absolutely beautiful here in Montana. We’re looking forward to a summer here.
Ah, you’re in territory that I’ve yet to explore, Brooks. Maybe I’ll get there soon. :) Lovely country.
Highly recommended, Paul. Just give yourself time to see the countryside beyond the tourist attractions.
That is one part of this country I would consider living in even with its tough winter. Love those mountain spring flowers.
That pretty much my thinking too, Monte, but I’m not sure Bonnie would live with me here during the winters! LOL