Gates of the Mountains

On Monday we drove down towards Helena to go on the boat tour through the Gates of the Mountains. This area is full of history, mostly surrounding the journey of Lewis and Clark along the Missouri River. This is one of the most scenic things around Great Falls. The boat tour lasts about 2 hours and the captain tells stories about the history of the area and points out all the interesting scenery along the way.



View from the dock.



Jones family on the boat.



About to leave the docks for the tour.


Heading up the Missouri River through the limestone canyon.


Limestone cliffs.



Bald eagle and a nest with fledglings in it.



One of the places the Lewis and Clark expedition camped.



The burned out trees on the mountain in the background are from a massive forest fire that started during the summer of 2007. Lightning struck and started the fire. It spread so rapidly because of the severe drought the area was experiencing. The vegetation still hasn't recovered.



View back down the Missouri River.



The rocks look like a rhino looking out over the river.



Native American drawings on the rocks.



Justin and me at the entrance.



The Gates of the Mountains is a must-see if you're ever in this area. This is the second time that Justin and I have gone and I would gladly go again. It's a wonderful, relaxing boat ride through gorgeous scenery.