Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Planning ahead is the easiest way to protect outdoor places and to enjoy a safe
visit. Use a map, bring a small first-aid kit, remember to bring additional clothing to
keep you warm and dry, and wear suitable shoes or boots on the trails. When hiking,
stay on designated trails, especially if they pass through private property. Shortcut-
ting around corners causes erosion and damages trailside plants, especially if it's wet
or muddy. Dispose of trash and biodegradable materials, such as orange peels, apple
cores, and food scraps, in a bear-proof trash container. Remember, animals that be-
come dependent on human food often have to be relocated or destroyed. Two easy
slogans to remember are “Pack it in, pack it out,” and “Leave it as you find it.” By
leaving the natural world as you find it, you will be protecting the habitat of plants
and animals as well as the outdoor experience of millions of visitors.
In the backcountry, you must carry all trash out with you. Use a biodegradable
soap when washing dishes, and avoid using soap within 200 feet of a stream or
spring. Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological ar-
tifacts, and other objects of interest as you find them. Minimize campfire impacts by
instead using portable camp stoves or fire pans. Use designated fire grates if avail-
able, and always make sure the fire is completely out before you leave camp. If you
make a fire ring with rocks, disperse the rocks before you leave camp, and try hard
to “leave no trace” of your being there.
Finally, always respect wildlife and be considerate of other visitors to help protect
the quality of their experience. The last thing you want to do is ruin somebody else's
trip of a lifetime. Keep noise to a minimum and let nature's sounds prevail; everyone
will be happier for it.
When examining the history of Montana, it's important to note the role geology played in
creating the mountains, rivers, lakes, and valleys that are so treasured by residents and vis-
itors alike. The Rocky Mountains were created about 100 million years ago, when giant
masses of molten rock deep inside the earth began to push to the surface. The ensuing tec-
tonic pressure stretched the land in every direction, allowing large blocks of rock to thrust
upward and create the massive jumble of mountains we see today.
