Jason Frey's Montana Real Estate

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Montana Wildlife - Rocky Mountain Elk

Montana Wildlife - Rocky Mountain Elk

Elk are by far one of the most abundant of the major mammal species in Montana with an estimated 30,000 elk that summer in Yellowstone National Park’s 2.2 million acres alone.

Jason Frey, PureWest, MOntana Recreation, Montana Ranches for Sale

Elk are one of the larger members of the deer family and occupy all habitats from meadows up to the high mountain forests. Elk have been known to travel in herds that have numbered several thousand head. During the breeding season, which lasts from mid-September to mid-November, a bull may gather 20-30 cows into his harem, often clashing with other males for domination of the greater herd. After the mating season, bulls will break off from the main herd and form bachelor groups, traveling together rather than competing for dominance. The females (cows) and offspring (calves) travel together year round along with sub-adult males not of breeding age.

Jason Frey, PureWest, Montana Ranch Properties

Elk offer one of the most celebrated experiences that a wildlife enthusiast can be part of. During the breeding season, bulls bugle to establish dominance, challenge other males and to locate females. The bugle begins as a very guttural, low toned grunt and escalates to a high pitched whistle that lasts for several seconds. The experience of sitting out on a crisp October day while the mountainside around you rings with bull elk challenging each other is truly a remarkable experience and one that will not soon be forgotten. Even those who have spent their entire lifetimes around this animal are constantly reminded of the regality of nature when they hear the first bugles of fall.

Elk can reach a mature weight of over 1000 pounds for larger males (avg. 700 lbs.) and up to 650 pounds for females (avg. 500 lbs.), bulls feed primarily to add bulk for mating season and put on stores for winter, cows on the other hand devote much of their caloric intake to gestation, birth, and care for their calves rather than body maintenance and growth. Elk can reach heights of almost six feet at the point of the shoulder and be nearly eight feet long. Elk coat colors vary from reddish-brown in the summer to a lighter tan in the winter months, calves are spotted during the first few months after being born, the bulls also possess a dark, chestnut colored neck and mane.

Bulls grow a new set of antlers each year, possessing their “best” set in about their 11^th or 12^th year; the antlers can reach over five feet in length and weigh upwards of 35 pounds. Mature bulls shed their antlers in February-March, while younger bulls can retain them until May. The new antlers begin growing within days of shedding and will become covered in a layer of velvet until they have completed growing, usually around August. Rocky Mountain Elk are the most abundant of the elk subspecies and number over 850,000 in North America. They can have a life expectancy of upwards of twenty years, travel long distances at speeds close to thirty miles per hour and leap almost ten feet in the air.

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Montana Wildlife - Black Bear

Montana Wildlife - Black Bear

Perhaps the most stirring, and documented animal in the history of man, the bear appears in ancient literature, mythology, cave drawings, and folklore. Unfortunately, many stories surrounding the ferocity of bears do not make the distinction between the grizzly, and its more docile cousin the black bear. Although they prefer higher elevation forests, droppings indicate heavy use of thorn-apple and other fruiting shrubs at lower elevations.

Black bears are very diverse animals, populating much of North America. Their native habitat, although much has been developed, consists of mountainous and wooded ecosystems that stretch from Alaska to Florida, Canada to Mexico. Black bears grow to lengths from four to seven feet nose to tail and two to three feet high at the withers (the highest portion of the back, located between the shoulder blades). They have small eyes, rounded ears, large bodies with shaggy hair, and endless curiosity. Black bear males (boars) will weigh on average around 500 pounds depending on time of year, while females (sows) will weigh in closer to 300 pounds.

Black bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal material to sustain themselves, with a large portion of their diet consisting of berries, roots and grubs. They are also however, opportunistic feeders making use of almost any available food source. When fall approaches, black bears must consume large amounts of food in order to gain enough weight to sustain them through their winter hibernation. During this period they rely on stores of body fat for survival. Unlike other smaller animals, black bears are “true” hibernators and extremely efficient in the process. They have the ability to drop not only their body temperature, up to 12 degrees, but their rate of metabolism, by half, as well. They do not need to waken periodically to raise their body temperature, eat or expel waste, like squirrels and chipmunks. Black bears are agile climbers and can often be seen in trees. The black bear name is deceptive; it is a species name and does not refer to their color. The species is predominantly black with tinges of brown, but can also go through different color “phases” of blonde, cinnamon, or honey.

At birth, black bear cubs weigh a half pound to one pound, and depending on the abundance of food may weigh over one hundred sixty-five pounds at the age of 9 months. Cubs usually stay with their mothers for around a year and a half, driven away by the mother a short time before she is ready to mate. Black bear females will typically have a two year interval between their litters. The sex ratio at birth is nearly 50:50, while the ratio between mature bears is often one male per tow to five females.

Potential longevity in black bears can exceed thirty years, and they can have home ranges that will be greater than 15 miles in radius for adult males. Black bears prefer forested areas that contain a variety of fruit and nuts, lowlands and wetlands provide tender vegetation, streams and pools provide water for drinking, and sows prefer large trees (over 20 inches in diameter) for bedding their cubs. The greatest misconception about black bears is that they will attack people in defense of cubs; cub defense is a grizzly bear trait. Researchers have often captured cubs in the presence of mothers who will bluff but not attack, black bear sows have not been known to kill anyone in defense of cubs. The incidence of fatal black bear attacks in North America since 1978 numbers 17, with 11 of those occurring in Canada, and only one in the western United States (Colorado, 1993). By comparison domestic dogs cause on average nineteen fatalities per year, bees, wasps and hornets account for almost fifty per year.

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Montana Wildlife - Shiras Moose

Jason Frey, PureWest, Montana Ranches for Sale, Bozeman Luxury

Moose, in my opinion, are so ugly they are almost beautiful and for those of you who have seen this long-legged, gangly creature know exactly what I mean. Although they are not as regal as elk, elusive as deer or nearly as interesting political fodder as wolves or Yellowstone bison, moose are a specific and important portion of the Montana ecosystem. First noted on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in May of 1805 near the Milk River of Montana, moose are the largest of the deer family and the largest antlered animal in the world. Shiras moose, also know as Wyoming moose are the smallest of the moose sub-species. They can easily reach weights upwards of 1200 pounds with larger males (bulls) tipping the scales at over 1500 pounds. Cows are generally smaller with weights averaging 600 to 800 pounds.

Shiras bulls grow palmated antlers that can be sixty inches or larger in width and weigh upwards of fifty pounds. Palmated refers to the flat portion of growth, moose are the only species native to North America besides caribou, which to a lesser extent, exhibits this characteristic. Both sexes have a “bell” which is a flap of skin and long hairs that hangs from the throat. They stand up to seven and half feet at the shoulders and have been known to be able to swim at speeds of up to six miles per hour for many miles in addition to completely submerging while looking for food for over one minute. In addition to grazing plant communities that reside in forested areas, they obtain the majority of their food from aquatic and marsh plants, and also eat bark and leaves from trees like willow and poplar

The breeding season for Shiras moose is late September and early October. Where the moose population is low both sexes travel extensively looking for mates, in higher density areas both sexes will form breeding groups where bulls will actively compete (fight) for cows. Cows are usually able to bear offspring at two and a half years of age, and like other deer species, twins are not uncommon.

Jason Frey, PureWest, Montana Recreation

Moose are active throughout the day although their activity peaks during morning and evening hours. Moose have very poor eyesight and rely on hearing and sense of smell to establish possible threats in their surroundings. Moose are not normally aggressive; however factors such as hunger, stress, and harassment (humans, dogs, traffic) may bring about changes in behavior. Bull moose are often more aggressive towards human contact during the mating season, and cows with young calves are very protective. Attacks can be identified before they happen by noting signs of agitation in the animal itself. When agitated, moose will lay their ears flat against their heads and the hairs on the top of the shoulders (hump) will raise, licking of their lips is also a sign of agitation. Charges may only be warnings, but should always be taken seriously; even calves can cause significant injuries because of their size. When they do charge they often strike out with their front feet and unlike other animals, (bears, dogs) it is a good idea to run from moose as they often will not engage in an extended chase.

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Montana Wildlife - Gray Wolf

Montana Wildlife - Gray Wolf

Wolf. The word itself sparks images of untamed wilderness, feelings of boundless freedom, and in some cases longing for a greater connection with nature. Wolf sightings have increased significantly throughout SW Montana over the past 10 years as the reintroduced cog in the Yellowstone ecosystem began to spread beyond the designated boundaries of the Park. Though a reclusive animal, much sign of their presence has been observed, mostly through track and scat with the presence of depredation to domestic livestock an ever present concern on the minds of ranchers and livestock owners throughout the state.

Gray wolves, like many wolf species, live and hunt in packs. The pack consists of the adult parents, called the alpha pair, and their offspring of perhaps the last two to three years. Adult gray wolves mate for life, pairs mate in the winter and in about nine weeks time anywhere from two to 14 pups are born. The pups are born blind and other females will assist in caring for the litter until the pups are able to travel with the pack, which is usually three to five months.

Wolf pups, Jason Frey

The adult parents are usually unrelated and other unrelated wolves may sometimes join the pack. Pack size is highly variable because of three main factors: birth of pups, dispersion of adults, and mortality. Generally, a gray wolf pack has from six to eight wolves; however packs in areas like northern Canada and Alaska can have up to thirty members. Gray wolf territories in the lower 48 can be from twenty-five to one-hundred fifty square miles.

Gray wolves are the largest of the wolf family and adult males can average five to six and a half feet from nose to tail. Adult female gray wolves will weigh between fifty and eighty-five pounds, while males will be larger, approximately seventy to one-hundred ten pounds and can in some cases reach one-hundred thirty pounds. Gray wolves primarily prey on large animals. Elk, deer, moose, and even mountain goats are possible prey. They will also take medium sized game such as beaver, and snowshoe hare, in addition they will occasionally take small rodents (shrews, mice, and voles) and birds.

Gray wolves in the wild have an average life span of six to eight years, but have been known to live up to 13 years in the wild and up to 16 years in captivity. The natural causes of wolf mortality are primarily starvation, which kills most pups (young), and death from other wolves due to territorial disputes. Additionally, there are also deaths from injury due to chasing prey. Pup mortality rates are highly variable but somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of pups will die each year.

Gray wolves actually exhibit many different coat colors, even within one pack. They range from obviously gray to white, red, or black. Wolves can sustain speeds of 35 miles per hour for short bursts, and leap twelve feet in the air. Thirty gray wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park in 1995; those wolves have now expanded to over 20 separate packs within or near Yellowstone Park.

Some people continue to carry the unrealistic belief that wolves routinely attack people or threaten outdoor activities. In fact, wolves generally avoid humans and are rarely a threat to human safety. There are only a handful of reports where wolves have deliberately attacked or seriously injured a human in North America. Most attacks on people involved wolves that had been fed by people and had become habituated to human presence. However, wild wolves are still wild animals and should be respected as such. Wolves can be very tolerant of human activity if they are not deliberately persecuted so there is rarely ever a reason to restrict human activity, including hiking and jogging, simply because wolves live in the general area.

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Montana Wildlife - Mountain Lion

Montana Wildlife - Mountain Lion

For as much attention in recent years that the mountain lion has garnered, they are exceptionally seclusive animals and very few humans have actually seen a lion in the wild. I have been fortunate enough to have seen them on several occasions, at great distance and in close quarters. They are wholly impressive, sleek and powerful, silent and calculating...true predators. Mountain lions are the largest member of the cat family in the Americas and have the most extensive range of any mammal in the western hemisphere, besides man. They rely soley on meat protein as their source of nutrition and, as such, are true carnivores as only members of the cat family are.

Mountain Lion facts

Adult males can be 8 feet in length from nose to tail and weigh upwards of 230 lbs.
Diet consists mainly of deer although most any wild game falls within it predation abilities
Wolves and bears are its only natural predator besides man
Can live up to 18 years in the wild
No set mating season, females will have litters of up to six cubs
Can leap vertically up to 18 feet and drop up to 65 feet without injury
Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 40 mph and cover 45 feet in a single bound
Although once thought endangered, recent estimates put populations in western state at 31,000+
Cubs are spotted at birth with a ringed tail
Very seclusive, sightings are uncommon

Attacks by mountain lions on humans are rare, with just over 100 documented attacks in the U.S. since 1890. Common sense is the best deterrent to avoid them, be aware of your surroundings while hiking or jogging and make noise as you travel. Simple conversation, whistling or my singing is significant enough disruption to keep these highly attuned animals moving away from your location. As always, keeping a close eye on children and pets when in nature is advised. If, in a rare instance, you do encounter a lion, make yourself look as large as possible, face the animal and hold your ground as flight may trigger the animals "chase" reflex.

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Madison River Magnificence

Madison River Custom Home with Virtual Tour

60 E. Horse Creek Road, Jason Frey, PureWest
60 E. Horse Creek Rd. - Madison River Valley, MT

One of the largest factors that compels people to buy real estate in Montana is the abundance of open space, access to world class fly fishing, endless hiking and horseback riding as well as the ability escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Few places are able to combine all of these elements in one setting but 60 E. Horse Creek Road is one of them.

As part of Sun West Ranch, this amazing property has access to 3 miles of the famed Madison River, a full equestrian facility, over 1,600 acres of shared open space and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. If your soul desires more, Yellowstone National Park is a 30 minute drive and offers boundless opportunities to fish, hike, cross-country ski, backpack, snowmobile and watch wildlife.

This custom home is situated on 6 deeded acres with views of the Madison River Valley, the Madison Mountain Range, mature trees and a natural pond. An exceptional combination of amenities in one property.

For additional information:

Property Details

Virtual Tour

Madison River Fishing

Sun West Ranch

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Montana Wildlife - Whitetail Deer

Whitetails get their highly creative name from the underside of their posterior, which they wave like flags when in flight as a visual alarm to other deer in the area. Exceptionally graceful, built for speed and stealth, whitetails have a tendency to materialize from thin air and disappear again in much the same way; they will attempt to quietly sneak away from danger before being detected or going into full flight. They are highly alert animals that have a sense of smell coupled with an ability to detect noises that are far superior to those of humans. Their noses are so acutely tuned that studies have shown deer can detect human scent on underbrush for days after being present in an area.

Whitetails are also highly adaptive creatures; found across the United States from the swamplands of Florida to the prairies of Montana and even into the urban and suburban populations of many major cities from coast to coast. Whitetails have expanded their habitat considerably over the past century, and have achieved record populations in many areas.

Quick Facts:

Whitetails are prolific reproducers two adults of breeding age can produce a herd of up to thirty-five in just seven years if there is no predation
Under optimal conditions without any regulating factors their populations can double annually.
Most whitetails (particularly males) mate in their second year, although some females occasionally mate as early as seven months.
There are 30 subspecies of whitetail that have been identified which all vary greatly in size.
The subspecies common to the Northern United States are the largest of the subspecies, having mature males (bucks) that can weigh over 250 pounds sometimes up 350 pounds.
Known predators include: gray wolves, mountain lions, coyotes and bears making them an integral part of the food chain.
Whitetails have a mating season very similar to that of the mule deer, in terms of timing, habits and characteristics.
Antler growth in whitetails is also quite similar to that of mule deer, differing mainly in the configuration of the antler itself. Whitetails have long main beams that have smaller points protruding from them whereas mule deer have large forks that emerge from the main beams.
Fawns (young) are also born spotted as a form of natural camouflage, but are able to walk at birth and begin browsing and grazing soon after.

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Immaculate Montana Dream Home

Immaculate Montana Dream Home: Virtual Tour

Montana Dream Home, Montana River Frontage, Montana Christie's

This immaculate Montana dream home is located less than 10 minutes from downtown Bozeman. Designed by award winning architect Jerry Locati and constructed by premiere Bozeman builder - Schlauch-Bottcher Construction - this custom residence embodies the "mountain elegant" vernacular. Amenities include frontage along the very private E. Gallatin River, a large pond stocked with trout, guest house built to ADA standards, sweeping views of the Bridger Mountains and end of the road privacy in a limited density agrarian area. This home exhibits an exceptional attention to detail and expansive outdoor living spaces that include a large fireplace, built-in hot tub, outdoor shower and commanding views.

Details include:

Price: $6,499,000

Location: East Gallatin River

Bedrooms: 5 in Main Residence 2 in Guest Home

Bathrooms: 6.5 in Main Residence 2 in Guest Home

Approx. Interior: 8299 Sq Ft plus 1700 Sq Ft Guest House

Approx. Lot Size: 20.75 acres

Type: Single Family

Year Built: 2007

MLS #: 175701

Bridger Mountain Views

PureWest, Jason Frey, Montana Luxury Homes
Master Bedroom

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Montana Wildlife - Mule Deer

Mule Deer

Mule Deer are named for their resemblance to the domestic mule due to the shape and size of their ears, which can be nine inches long. Mule deer are a significant part of the major mammal ecosystem in Montana. Mule deer are distributed throughout the state and are present in nearly all areas from eastern border to western border as well as northern border to southern border. Mule deer have very acute vision and hearing; however they rely largely on their sense of smell to determine their surroundings. Although their vision is very acute they can easily overlook stationary objects that may pose a threat.

Quick Facts:

Mule deer are considerably larger than their cousin the whitetail and can have adult males (bucks) reach a live weight of 400 pounds, with females (does) reaching weights of up to 150 pounds

Mule deer are most active at dawn and dusk when they venture from protective cover to feed. They spend the middle of the day bedded down in cool, secluded places.

Mule deer are considered to be browsers rather than grazers, relying on shrubs as a primary energy source.

When alarmed, both males and females snort to alert other deer in the area. Mule deer can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour on flat terrain; however they prefer rough broken terrain, and travel in spring-like bounds that would clear an eight foot fence rather than at a gallop like whitetails. This bounding allows them to see over vegetation and keep an eye on approaching danger; a tactic well suited to the high sage of Montana.

Mule deer bucks do not use their antlers as protection from predators; their means of defense is derived from rising up on their hind legs and slashing out with their hooves, but rather use them to establish dominance over other bucks in forceful shoving matches.

As in all deer species bucks lose their antlers after mating season, when a buck has passed his prime for mating or food is poor the antlers may not fully develop, thus the antlers serve as a tool for ensuring the genetic superiority and strength of the population.

Mating season for mulies reaches its peak in November and December, males and females mix freely while traveling together during the winter months. Does usually give birth in June or July, twins are very common and triplets are also occasional. Like all deer species, except moose, fawns are spotted at birth and can walk soon after delivery to escape predators which range from wolves and coyotes to bald eagles.

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Yellowstone River Retreat

Yellowstone River Retreat with Virtual Tour

Montana Dream Home, Montana River Frontage, Montana Christie's

Prime Yellowstone River frontage and sweeping views of the Absaroka Mt Range are the cornerstones of this custom log home. The expansive second floor master suite features a fireplace, deck overlooking the river and large sitting room. Fenced for horses with private guest house/barn featuring a large bedroom and sleeping loft. Year 'round access, great fishing, close to hiking and minutes from Livingston.

Details include:

Price: $1,495,000

Location: Paradise Valley

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Approx. Interior: 3,020 Sq Ft

Approx. Lot Size: 20 acres

Type: Single Family

Year Built: 1995

MLS #: 175387

Property Tax: $4,271

Jason Frey, Montana Luxury Homes, Yellowstone River Frontage
Yellowstone River Frontage

Jason Frey, Montana Luxury Homes, Yellowstone River Frontage
Master Bedroom

Jason Frey, Montana Luxury Homes, Yellowstone River Frontage
Great Room, Kitchen and Dining

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Gallatin River Equestrian Estate

Bozeman Montana Home for Sale with River Frontage and Equestrian Improvements

1891 W. Cameron Bridge - Jason Frey, PureWest

Situated on just over 20 acres and boasting both private fishing access to the West Gallatin River, this 4,680 square foot custom home features an expansive master bedroom, sweeping views of the Bridger Mountains and a seperate guest suite. In addition to the main home, the property has properly appointed equestrian improvements represented in a two stall barn, cross fenced paddocks and a tack room. This custom home and associated property combines a number of highty coveted amenities in a location less than 15 minutes from a well connected Regional Airport and the population center of Bozeman. A beautifully finished guest apartment, perfect for visitors or a full-time caretaker, overlooks the pond and Bridger Mountains just as the primary home does.

1891 W. Cameron Bridge - Jason Frey, PureWest

Offered at $1,995,000

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Bozeman Summer Hiking Series - Kirk Hill Loop's

Bozeman, Montana Hikes, Jason Frey, PureWest
Looking North into Bozeman with the Bridger Range in the Distance

Sunny Saturday's are made for hiking and with a 4 year old's and 2 year old's social calendar to keep up with, short hikes close to town are perfect for getting a quick fix when birthday parties and play dates are one the daily docket. The Kirk Hill Loops fit the bill to a "T" in this situation. Less than 10 minutes from town, the longest of the loops is under 2 miles and even with a handful of stops to rest little legs we did a 1.6 mile circuit in less than 1:20:00 while gaining over 600ft of elevation.

Bozeman, Montana Hikes, Jason Frey, PureWest
Peeking through the trees into the Gallatin Valley

The Kirk Hill Recreation Area was made possible by a land donation from the Kirk Family as well as participation from Montana State University. The trail is well established and very well marked, with several informational stations to guide you on your way. There are several maps along the route that even indicate directions for a less strenuous ascent. The trail is narrow however and I would not recommend a stroller for young ones on this particular hike. We used a backpack carrier for our 2 year old, a Baby Bjorn for our infant and our 4 year old had no troubles hiking the entire loop. The trailhead clearly suggests that no pets be allowed on the trail and we saw this wish both obeyed and ignored as we set out.

Bozeman, Montana Hikes, Jason Frey, PureWest
The snow-capped peaks of the Madison Range to the West

Overall, our family enjoyed this hike. The access is quick and easy from Bozeman, with all paved access to the trailhead. There are three different loops to choose from with varying degrees of distance and difficulty, serveral wildflowers and birds along the way. We recommend having a picnic lunch at the trailhead before heading up or having a lunch at the overlook to the Madison Range on the western edge of Loop 2....remember, if you pack it in-pack it out, don't leave a mess for the next family to experience.

Stay tuned for the next hike in my Summer Hiking Series, they will be longer excursions to some high country lakes, remote mountain streams and other destinations you may want to leave the kids home for.

Bozeman, Montana Hikes, Jason Frey, PureWest
All smiles after an hour of "Follow the Leader" on the Trail

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Things to Do on Your Summer Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Trips to Yellowstone National Park are often undertaken due to the sheer scenic beauty and phenomenal wildlife that can be easily experienced while there. The recreational activities are also extraordinary; hiking, biking, fishing and horse pack trips in the summer with cross-country skiing, snowmobile tours and snow-shoeing in the winter.

In addition to the natural splendor of the area, there are several man made destinations that are highly recommended to visit while on your trip to Yellowstone:

The Greater Yellowstone Science Learning Center is a portal to information about the natural and cultural resources of Yellowstone and Grand Teton (including John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway) national parks and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. By reporting on what has been learned from research and monitoring in these parks, they hope to increase public awareness of new findings and encourage studies that will help guide park management decisions. The National Park Service has set up Research Learning Centers as public-private partnerships that promote the sharing of scientific knowledge about the parks.

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center offers every visitor to Yellowstone a chance to uniquely experience
the world of grizzly bears and gray wolves. All the animals at the Center are unable to survive in the wild
and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. The Center is open 365 days a year as the GWDC bears do not hibernate and your admission is good for two consecutive days. The GWDC is located one block from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is widely regarded as America's finest western museum. Located in Cody (northwestern), Wyoming, 52 miles from Yellowstone National Park's East Gate. The Center features a library and five internationally acclaimed museums (more than 300,000 square feet) under one roof devoted to western cultural and natural history. Admission to all five museums is good for two consecutive days.

Beartooth Highway

The Carbon County Historical Society and Museum is located 63 miles from the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park at the base of scenic Beartooth Highway. Housed in the 1909 historic Labor Temple in downtown Red Lodge, Montana the museum is home to the Greenough and Linderman rodeo collections, Liver Eatin' Johnston information, Waples family gun collection, an interactive coal and hard rock mine exhibit, the Carbon County archives, and much more. The staff also assists with family genealogy and historic research.

The Gallatin County Historical Society & Pioneer Museum is located in the old Gallatin County Jail. Exhibits include a hanging gallows, model of Fort Ellis, Indian artifacts, and the historic "Big Horn Gun." There's also a display on movie actor and Gallatin County High School graduate Gary Cooper. The Museum has a library, photo archives, and bookstore. FREE ADMISSION. Donations are appreciated

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

Bozeman Summer Hiking Series - Lava Lake

Bozeman, Montana Hikes, Jason Frey, PureWest, Lava Lake
Lava Lake - Lee Metcalf Wilderness near Bozeman, MT

Located just 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman, the Lava Lake Trailhead begins a stone's throw from the west bank of the Gallatin River. Lava Lake is a popular hike due to its proximity to both Bozeman and Big Sky, its gradual ascents along Cascade Creek and the sheer beauty of the lake itself. The trail to and from the lake is a roughly 6 mile loop that meanders through the Gallatin National Forest and Lee Metcalf Wilderness before reaching the hikes namesake.

Cascade Creek, Jason Frey, PureWest, Bozeman, Big Sky
Cascade Creek on the way to Lava Lake

Several springs and small tributaries of Cascade Creek flow out of the hillsides and across the trail along the way. Two bridges are crossed en-route to the lake as well, one over a small rivulet and the second over the rushing water of Cascade Creek. The route to the lake is populated with several unique rock formations and is dotted with wildflowers. The trail is quite rocky from start to finish and if young children are accompanying you, plan to carry them over a portion of the journey. Strollers are not an option on this particular hike either, however dogs appear to be near mandatory....just a little joke as I saw 1.5-2x as many dogs as people on the trail.

Bozeman Hikes, Jason Frey, Lava Lake
Forest Service Bridge over Cascade Creek

From the trailhead to the lake, about 1,600 feet of elevation gain is realized with the lake sitting at about 7,800ft., nestled between Table Mtn. and Jumbo Mtn. in the distance. A trail to the peak of Table Mtn. branches off of the Lava Lake Trail where you gain another 2,000ft. of elevation to reach its summit. The hike took me about 3 hours and 45 minutes car to car with a roughly 40 minute stop at the lake to take in the scenery and visit with some fellow hikers/campers. Several fisherman were pulling eager cutthroat trout out of the lake near the outlet.

Lava Lake, Bozeman Hiking Series, Jason Frey
Cascade Creek Meanders Through an Alpine Meadow

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.