Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 78 WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: Between Red Lodge and the Northeast En- trance to Yellowstone National Park lies a winding road soaring over 10,000 feet in elevation. Snaking between peaks and over plateaus, with the Absaro- ka-Beartooth Wilderness stretch- ing below as far as the eye can see, this dizzying traverse has jaw-dropping views start to finish. Beartooth Pass is just the apex of the 68-mile Beartooth Highway, which typically opens by Memorial Day and closes on Columbus Day. Take your time driving this route—the road will climb 5,000 feet around seem- ingly endless hairpin turns and switchbacks, and you'll certainly want to stop at the overlooks and take photos. Each stop will offer more incredible views than the last, so give yourself plenty of time to take it all in. The Beartooth Highway is a desig- nated All-American Road, and you'll truly feel like you're on top of the world. WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Either side of the Beartooth Highway is worth a visit. On the Red Lodge side, don't miss the Montana Candy Emporium. Once you drop down toward Yellowstone, you'll be at the Northeast Entrance, putting you in close range to Lamar Valley and the abundance of wildlife that call it home. WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: Tucked right at the edge of the epic expanse of Glacier National Park, Pole- bridge, a tiny town with no cell service, is just 22 miles from the Canadian border, and is home to the famous red facade of the Polebridge Mercantile. Listed on the National Reg- ister of Historic Places, the Polebridge Mercantile was established in 1914, and is now known for its selection of homemade pastries and local gifts and souvenirs. The mercantile offers a free pastry to those who have hiked or biked to its location on a bike route, or the Pacific Northwest Trail. The mercantile is run on generators and solar panels and has on-property cabins available to rent if you're looking to stay the night. WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Take a drive over the pass and stop at Red Meadow Lake. Several camp- sites and the option for fly fish- ing abound in this quiet section of the state. Drive into Glacier and explore Bowman Lake and the less-traveled North Fork section of the park, a far cry from the more populated Going-to-the-Sun Road area. 1 2 U.S. ROUTE 212 BETWEEN RED LODGE AND YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST KYLE TILLEMAN MAGGIE SLEPIAN Beartooth Pass Polebridge Beartth Pa Polebridge

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