Distinctly Montana Magazine

25 w w w. d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m For readers who are more interested in Chief Moun- tain as a scenic attraction, this area is the premier fall-foliage destination in Glacier National Park. If weather conditions are favorable, fall color in Glacier usually peaks during the last week of September and/or first week of October, except for western larches, which typi- cally climax in late October. Among the extensive stands of aspens and cotton- woods found east of the Continental Divide, the largest, by far, is located at the base of Chief Mountain, which, in autumn, towers more than 3,000 feet above an electrifying carpet of yellow. The panoramic grandeur of this land- scape can be viewed most effectively from a pullout on Chief Mountain In- ternational Highway (Montana Route 17), only 2.2 miles from its junction with U.S. 89. This crescendo of color, unfor- tunately, is fleeting, particularly if winds, which so frequently buffet the Rocky Mountain Front, prematurely strip aspens of their foliage. Nev- ertheless, naturalist Paul Schull- ery observes that the soil here is apparently "so accommodating that the species thrives in great abundance—grove after grove of gnarled, dwarfish trees with the tiny leaves that characterize aspen in its most extreme environment." At peak color, this spectacle will deeply inspire you, albeit in a fun- damentally different manner than generations of supplicants expe- rienced when, after days of fast- ing and incessant prayer, they re- ceived supernatural revelations at Ninaistákis. Fortunately, this mas- terpiece of Nature's artistry still can be viewed in absolute solitude from the pullout identified above. For 70 years, Stockman Bank has been serving Montana with the best in banking services, helping Montanans manage their money, achieve their financial goals and realize their dreams. As the largest family owned, privately held, community bank in Montana, we remain committed to traditional, western values and homegrown community services. We appreciate being nominated for Best Bank in Montana. Be sure to vote! Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender Montana's Brand of Banking THANK YOU MONTANA! Henry L. Stimson and the mountain peak in Glacier named after him.

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