w w w. d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a . c o m
95
mers, crews have worked to remove the "read and
dead" trees that dot the mountain and threaten a
cataclysmic summer fire under the right conditions.
But today's jaunt is about tranquility, not fires.
A crow caws. Snow drops from a tree in a big
clump before bursting into a fine powder. I tug on
Bailey's leash, and we stop to take in the view.
More than a mile above sea level and 1,300 feet
above Last Chance Gulch (Helena's Main Street
through Historic Downtown), you can see pretty
much everything from up here. There's the Conti-
nental Divide to the west and Canyon Ferry Lake
to the east, just beyond the Spokane Mountains.
Below, Spring Meadow Lake is starting to thaw.
Next to the park sits the Archie Bray Foundation
for Ceramic Arts, a world-renowned residency
program for both ceramic masters and artists in
training.
CatHEDraL of St. HELENa
Visitors may tour the
CathEDral unless Mass is being
held. Guided tours are available during the summer, Tuesday
through Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 p.m. For guided tours during the
rest of the year, call (406) 442-5825. www.sthelenas.org
MoNtaNa StatE CaPItoL
The
Montana StatE lEgISlaturE meets each odd year for about 3 months.
The capitol is open year round for self-guided tours. During the summer, guided
tours are offered from May 1 though September 30, Monday through Saturday.
Tours begin every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays tours begin
every hour from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (406) 444-4789. www.mhs.mt.gov
LaSt CHaNCE guLCH
hIStorIC laSt ChanCE gulCh runs
through Downtown helena from about
Eleventh Avenue south to just past
Wong Street at heritage / Pioneer
Park. Across Park Avenue from heri-
tage / Pioneer Park is Reeder's Alley.
www.downtownhelena.com
www.reedersalley.com
