Words That Play

April showers bring May flowers, and when coupled with the melting snow cap around Great Falls , they also bring rushing rivers—a condition that fishing and floating enthusiasts dream of. Whether with kayak, canoe, raft or river dory, there’s plenty of the stuff to float your boat, and if waders are the way you roll, you might want to use a belt. The Wild & Scenic Missouri Elsewhere, the Missouri River may be called the “Big Muddy” but its cool, clear headwaters flowing through Great Falls are anything but. The Upper Missouri’s natural beauty could be why in 1976 Congress designated 149 miles downstream of Fort Benton as a “National Wild & Scenic River,” promising unspoiled and unobstructed waterway wilderness. Or maybe it’s for the river’s historic value? In 1805 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark spent weeks paddling the Missouri during their famed expedition, and today the river continues to be a celebrated place to dip an oar. Hire an outfitter for a multi-day ex...

“Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.” – Thomas Jefferson Wise words and so true. Walking is easy on the frame. It frees the mind to roam along with the body, and it calms mental chatter—like a reset button for your brain. Walking builds stamina; exerts muscles and lungs on an upward path. Trek far enough and you will go amazing places. In Great Falls , there are many amazing places, and they’re all within walking distance. “One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.” – Barbara Walters The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (commonly known as the Bob) is an outdoor lover’s paradise. This federally preserved 1.5 million acres hugs the Continental Divide and reaches elevations above 9,000 feet. Its trails could be wandered for weeks, though many are just a short drive and a day-hike away. These will get you going: Devil’s Glen via Dearborn River Trail (6 miles round trip). Don’t be fooled by the name, this little m...