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 • F A L L 2 0 2 0 14 PLACID LAKE STATE PARK 28 MILES NORTHEAST OF MISSOULA Located on a tributary of the Clearwater River, this heav- ily forested park is tucked back off Highway 83 on 32 acres at the eastern end of Placid Lake. Established in 1977, Placid Lake State Park is known for its smooth waters, wildlife viewing, trout fishing, and family outdoor fun. The popular campground books up months in advance for summer reservations and features 40 campsites, including 18 with electricity, as well as paved roads and bathroom and shower facilities. After the morning fog lifts, explore the lake's tranquil waters via motor- ized boat, kayak, or paddleboard. The lake's modest size of 1,211 acres boasts tepid waters perfect for swimming during the summer. A wide boat ramp, courtesy dock, and rental boat slips are also available. Don't forget your binoculars as the lake affords countless oppor- tunities for bird watching, including red-necked grebes, great blue herons, bald eagles, and osprey. You may even be woken to the hoots and yodels of common loons in the early morning. When evening descends, stroll down to the docks for an unforgettable view of a classic Montana sunset streaked with vibrant hues of yellow, lavender, and apricot. You may recognize the scene from one of Montana's specialty license plates featuring a painting by Missoula artist, Monte Dolack, called Placid Lake Sunset, that depicts a kayaker on the lake at sunset. With more than 40,000 visitors each summer, Placid Lake is easily one of Montana's busiest and most picturesque state parks. FIRST PEOPLES BUFFALO JUMP STATE PARK 10 MILES SOUTH OF GREAT FALLS ON I-15 Picture this: it's sunrise and the ground trembles as a heard of bison careens towards a steep ledge. Seeing the drop off approaching, some of the animals dig their hooves into the dirt attempting to turn. But the inertia be- hind them carries them forward, over the edge, plunging in a frenzy of hooves, horns and fur to the ground 50 feet below. This scene was a regular one for hundreds of years at what is today known as First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. One of the largest prehistoric bison kill sites in the country and North Amer- ica, this 1,600-acre park is an archaeological site that preserves a portrait of daily life for Montana's first peoples. What remains today is the mile-long sandstone cliff, remnants of drive lines on top, and up to 18 feet of compacted buffalo remains below the cliff. The top of the jump, accessible by trails, offers pan- oramic views of the Rocky Mountain Front, Missouri River Valley, and the buttes and grasslands that define the region. There is also evidence of tipi rings, pictographs, and bison processing areas in the vicinity. 3 4 PLACID LAKE STATE PARK FIRST PEOPLES BUFFALO JUMP STATE PARK HENRY MULLIGAN MONTANABOW

• Cover