Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 35 2. If your plans to drive the Beartooth fall on a ursday to Sunday, spend the night in Red Lodge and check out the pig races at Bear Creek Saloon and Steakhouse, a 10-minute drive from Red Lodge. Bet on your favorite little squealer. Should your pig win, you get to keep half of the $50 jackpot; the remaining money goes towards scholarships for local kids, a fundraiser that's been going strong for 25 years. 3. Once you leave Red Lodge, Hwy 212 snakes up a series of switchbacks with the first major pullout being Rock Creek Vista Point (complete with restrooms). You'll find sweeping views of both the valley floor and the spectacu- lar Hell Roaring Plateau, part of the Absaroka- Beartooth Wilderness, directly across the valley at this 9,190 elevation stop. 4. About 30 miles from Red Lodge you'll see a sign marking the 45th parallel, the halfway point between the North Pole and the equator. Just past this marker as you're heading south- west, you'll catch glimpses of Twin Lakes, two cerulean beauties tucked into the bottom of a rocky valley. 5. e West Summit pullout affords views of the "bear's tooth," a jagged peak for which the highway was named. History tells us that the Crow Indians, also known as the Apsaalooke, inhabited much of this area which is now south central Montana. From Apsaalooke comes the derivative "Absaroka," thus forming the origins for the name of Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. 6. It's not uncommon during a summer storm to be met with a snow and sleet at these high elevations. e Top of the World Store — with a little bit of this and that, including souvenirs, snack foods, postcards and coffee, can be a great place to hang until the storm passes over. As we say out West, if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change. 7. West Summit is the highest point along the highway and from here, the road gradually winds down through flower infused alpine tundra meadows sprinkled with mountain lakes. ere is an unbelievable amount of landscape to soak in on all sides. Take advantage of the many pullouts to stretch the legs and grab some photos. 8. A popular detour along the highway is the three-mile gravel drive up to Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower, now serving as a Visitor Center. e panoramic views from the tower at an elevation of 9,811', are nothing short of grandiose — this is definitely a photogenic mo- ment. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available at the Tower. 9. Long Lake parallels the Beartooth High- way and provides easy access for fishing, or better yet, taking time to contemplate life and drink in the crisp air. 8. 6. 7. CONTINUED

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