Distinctly Montana Magazine

www.DistinctlyMontana.com 81 Route 547, also known locally as Bear Springs Road. It is paved for quite a distance before it turns to gravel, but don't fret. It's a good gravel road. And where you're headed, you don't need paved roads. Stay on Bear Springs Road as you wind your way through coulees and tranquil landscapes swaddled in blankets of prairie grass and wheat, which are dotted with beautiful barns and teetering homesteads. Soon the plains that flanked you along the way will give way to steep embankments lined with beautiful ev- ergreen trees. Some 32 miles later and you will find yourself in the middle of the Judith Riv- er Breaks. From there you will make hair pin turns into the river's valley below. Off to the east are the beautiful Judith Mountains, which is a view that was most surely an inspiration for one of C.M. Russell's paintings. Once you cross the Judith River the road be- comes known as Judith River Road, which will take you into Winifred. There, believe it or not, you can bowl in Montana's newest bowling alley and eat a wonderful steak in the elegant 1028 Steakhouse and Fireside Lounge. Winifred In- ternational Suites is right next door, which was uniquely styled after different places around the world. This road, and the sites along the way, tru- ly constitutes one of Montana's hidden gems. EAST SIDE OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS Going-to-the-Sun Road, of course, won't open until late June or July, and most of the rest of Gla- cier National Park is closed to road traffic, but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the majesty of one of America's most beautiful national parks in the off season, too. Be sure to make this trip in the morning when the sun paints the mountains with many differ- ent shades and colors of light. Late in the day the most beautiful scenes are hidden in shadows, so mornings are your best bet if it's beauty you seek. Early mornings on U.S. Highway 89 here are also usually teeming with wildlife. And as an added benefit, you will usually have the entire route to yourself on sunny, winter mornings, with ample opportunities to stop, roll down the window, and enjoy the cold winter air, sounds, and views from the comfort of your warm car. While the route north toward Glacier Nation- al Park is quite busy in the summer when road- side services are abundant, please keep in mind this changes once the weather turns. Many plac- es are closed, so be sure to plan ahead. This in- cludes packing some extra food and water (just in case) and be sure to get more fuel whenever you have the chance. Cut Bank and Browning offer the best chances to do so, though the Sin- clair station in St. Mary may be open, too. Be sure to stop at the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning as you begin or end your trip on this route. This wonderful museum fea- tures art and historical artifacts from many of Montana's native American Indian tribes all in one location. Their collections include historic clothing, horse gear, weapons, and a lot more. It is also a great place to learn about the history of this region, which holds great significance with the local Blackfeet people who have called this place home for centuries.

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