Report from Montana

We took a quick trip up to Montana this weekend to visit family in Big Sky.  Of course I took my camera with me, but was unsure of what to expect.  The area of course is beautiful, but I never remembered seeing very many non-evergreen trees.   Although I was right that there weren’t many maples or aspens, I was pleasantly surprised to see how colorful the underbrush was, especially are streams and rivers.  We took two hikes along Hyalite Creek and Spanish Creek.

Although our Hyalite Creek hike was cut short by rain, we still had an opportunity to see two of the many waterfalls along this hike.  Grotto Falls was the most picturesque with the ground cover turning bright yellow.  It was an impressive contrast between the white water, the yellow leaves and a dark green cave all surrounded by thick forest.  This hike is easy and quick with the potential of seeing many more waterfalls further up.

Hyalite Creek. Copyright Nate Young and Crux Photo.

 

Grotto Falls of Hyalite Creek. Copyright Nate Young and Crux Photo.

The most impressive part about the Spanish Creek hike was the views of the Spanish Peaks.  Once again we were blessed with overcast skies and a few rain showers.  This kept the temperature cool which made for a very pleasant hike.  Unfortunately we did not have as much time as we hoped for the hike, so we never reach the impressive waterfall that was further up the trail.  On the drive to the trail head, you have to go through the Flying D ranch, which is owned by Ted Turner.  His land is extremely beautiful.  Here are a few photos from his land.

Flying D Ranch. Copyright Nate Young and Crux Photo.

 

Flying D Ranch. Copyright Nate Young and Crux Photo.

 

Flying D Ranch. Copyright Nate Young and Crux Photo.

~ by cruxphoto on September 22, 2008.