Natural Bridge & Falls

A 30-minute drive south of Big Timber brings you to Natural Bridge and Falls area. The paved paths begin at the parking lot and meander along the Boulder River. Viewing points with signs will tell you about the area, the falls, and the wildlife. There are actually three separate waterfalls in the spring of the year during high water. Later in the year the river flows underground to reveal the limestone bedrock. Toilet facilities and picnic tables are available. A well maintained dirt trail leads to a scenic point directly across from the falls. For a day hike, continue on to the Green Mountain trail. The terrain will change from grassland to heavy timber. Look for limber pine, lodge pole pine, Douglas fir and wildflowers galore. Deer, bear, elk and small animals may be seen along the way. Please respect private property by staying on the trails. For everyone's enjoyment and safety please monitor pets and children near cliffs. There is handicap access.

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Half-moon Park

North of town, follow Big Timber Creek into the fabled Crazy Mountains. Half-moon Park Campground is equipped with vault toilets, picnic area, water and parking area for day hikes. Then fish, picnic, lay in the sun, splash in the crystal clear water or hike clean out of the county!! Big Timber Falls (also known as Half-moon Falls) is an easy 1/2 mile walk from the campground. Blue Lake (good fishin') is 5 1/2 miles father up the trail. Pack a lunch and enjoy our mountains.

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Crazy Mountain Museum

The Crazy Mountain Museum is the place to go to discover the rich history of the Sweet Grass area. It has permanent displays of a one room school house, a Norwegian Stabbur and artifacts, and a model of Big Timber in 1907. Other seasonal exhibits include Cremer Rodeo exhibit, sheep and wool, Pioneer Memorial Gallery, and the Crazy Mountains. The museum can be found at Exit 367 on Cemetery Road. It is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission is free but the museum will gladly accept donations.

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Prairie Dog Town State Park

Located off Interstate 90 at exit 377 is a town inhabited by the notorious prairie dog. Loved and hated by westerners, these perky, burrowing creatures can be seen from Spring to Fall and on warm days in the winter. The Town is easily accessible with informational signs and a picnic area. Get out, walk through the town, and take pictures. Please-- watch for snakes and don't feed the residents.

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Yellowstone Fish Hatchery

The fish hatchery is a short stroll from down town Big Timber. A biologist is usually on hand to explain the life cycle of the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Fish can be seen at all stages, from tiny fingerlings to mature breeding stock. Enjoy a tour of the facility and watch the larger trout in the outside pools. Children and adults alike will enjoy this Montana State Fish Hatchery.  Please call 406-932-4434 for more information.

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Melville Church

Located a country mile from the little town of Melville in Sweet Grass County, you will find one of the earliest churches in Montana. In 1885, a hard -working, self sufficient group of pioneers organized the first Lutheran Congregation in Montana. In November 1914, the little white church, complete with steeple and bell, was dedicated. The church is located in the heart of sheep and cattle country where you can enjoy the peacefulness of the prairie with the magnificent Crazy Mountains towering in the background.

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Hiking and Fishing

The Gallatin National Forest surrounds Sweet Grass County. There are numerous public campgrounds and maintained trails available. You can enjoy a day hike or pack in for a week!

South of Big Timber is the spectacular Boulder Valley. Travel on State Highway 298 to the Forest Service road which will take you to natural and man-made wonders. Up the road from the Natural Bridge is the Lions Head. It is a rock outcropping that can be seen on the way to Box Canyon-- the trail head and the end of the road. Indian Caves with pictographs are an easy hike from the Main Boulder Ranger Station. About an hour hike beyond Box Canyon is the abandoned mining town of Independence. The remains of cabins the gold seekers built can be seen nestled in a breathtaking mountain valley. Independence can be reached with a 4x4 vehicle, but it is recommended you check with the local Forest Service before attempting the drive. The road is very narrow and not maintained.

The East Boulder and West Boulder Rivers flow into the Main Boulder 10 to 15 miles south of Big Timber. All three rivers are pristine mountain streams with excellent fishing and lying in the sun opportunities. There are public fishing accesses and National Forest access to each.

The Yellowstone River flows east past Big Timber. It also offers excellent fishing, along with boating and general fun in the sun. There are public accesses along the river where campers can stay free for up to 10 days.

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Note: From Sweet Grass County Weed District, and the citizens of Montana

When out enjoying all the beautiful wonders that the Big Timber area has to offer, please pay special attention to noxious weeds. Noxious weeds have severe and detrimental impacts on native plant communities and wildlife habitat that can last a lifetime. Noxious weeds are non-native plants that out compete native vegetation for resources such as sunlight, water and nutrients. We take our weeds very seriously and would like those who visit our area and enjoy all the natural wonders to help in the battle against noxious weeds.

YOU CAN HELP:

• KNOW WHAT NOXIOUS WEEDS LOOK LIKE
• AVOID USING AREAS THAT ARE INFESTED WITH NOXIOUS WEEDS
• DO NOT PICK OR TRANSPORT NOXIOUS WEED PLANT MATERIAL
• ALWAYS USE CERTIFIED NOXIOUS WEED SEED FREE FORAGE
• WASH YOUR VEHICLE IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN WEED AREAS
  

For more information on Montana's noxious weeds please stop by the local weed district office or go to www.mtweed.org

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