Gallatin National Forest in Montana

Gallatin National Forest is part of the Greater Yellowstone Area (the largest intact ecosystem in the continental United States) and spans six mountain ranges, offering outstanding year-round outdoor recreation.

Sharing not only the borders with the famed national park, but also its Bighorn sheep, elk, and grizzlies, which cross between the two protected areas without disruption.

The Gallatin National Forest also shares in Yellowstone's unique ecosystem. The world's largest thermal basin has produced fault lines that run right through Gallatin, resulting in places like Earthquake Lake, formed by a surprise earthquake in 1959. Not only similar in the geological aspects but also in its environment. All are surrounded by dense timbered valleys and towered with rugged peaks that reach to nearly 10,000 feet. The stratified volcanic and metamorphic rock and alpine meadows that explode with summertime wildflowers are clear reminders of this unique and wildland. The forest provides habitat for a full complement of native fauna, including four federally listed threatened species: the grizzly bear, gray wolf, bald eagle, and the Canada lynx.

To no surprise the Gallatin serves up a huge playground for outdoor lovers. You will find 2,200 miles of trails, 1,740 miles of fishable streams and rivers, and 700 high mountain lakes and reservoirs. The late summer is considered high season in these northern reaches, but truly any season is good for discovering the forest's adventures. The Gallatin River is one of the premier whitewater rafting rivers in the west. Early summer is high water season and adds to the excitement with a more powerful and technical river. Blue ribbon trout streams are plentiful in the forest with the region highly acclaimed for its healthy and vibrant fisheries. The hiking opportunities are endless and include trails through a petrified forest.

A winter wonderland is a reality in Gallatin National Forest. Its snow covered mountain peaks receive 400 inches of snow annually. The cross-country skiing trails are numerous and diverse with so much terrain to choose from. Taking a ski tour in the national forest leading to the park or to wilderness is an exciting adventure, with great opportunities for wildlife sightings. Snowmobiling is also a great way to see more and cover a larger area in a day. So much to choose from in the winter with every day in every adventure bringing a new experience and bright awareness of the awesome natural beauty.

The Gallatin National Forest truly is a special place. The unique significance of the Gallatin's resources in its remarkable wildlife and wildland values, geological features, and aquatic and fisheries resources are recognized locally, nationally, and globally. Established in 1899, the Gallatin is part of the Greater Yellowstone Area which is the largest intact ecosystem in the continental United States. The forest offers a broad spectrum of recreation opportunities that are appropriate and fit within the capability of the land. Come and explore this marvelous treasure and see for yourself all that it has to offer.

Gallatin National Forest
P.O. Box 130
Bozeman, MT 59771
(406) 587-6701