Montana’s Gates of the Mountains Hide Wildlife Refuges, Sacred Sites, and a Tragic Firefighter Story

11 Interesting Facts About the Gates of the Mountains in Helena, Montana

Just 20 miles north of Helena, Montana are towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically on either side of the river. They look like giant stone gates that open and close with each as you float by.

It was this same sight that inspired Meriwether Lewis to name it the “Gates of the Mountains” in 1805. Here’s why it’s a must on any Montana travel bucket list.

Ancient Native American History

The canyon walls feature 50 ancient painting sites from the Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai tribes dating back to 1,000 CE. Researchers have uncovered 3,467 artifacts, including obsidian arrowheads and pottery.

Lewis and Clark’s Discovery

Meriwether Lewis and his expedition first saw these cliffs on July 19, 1805. For three days, they pulled their boats against a strong current through a narrow 28-foot-wide channel, documenting 47 new species of birds and animals.

Geological Marvel

The cliffs formed 425 million years ago from an ancient sea. Scientists have found 89 different fossils, including trilobites and crinoids. The Missouri River, flowing at 3,800 cubic feet per second, carved out the canyon over time.

Mann Gulch Fire Memorial

The Mann Gulch Fire of 1949 killed 13 smokejumpers in just 18 minutes. This tragedy led to the creation of the ’10 Standard Firefighting Orders.’ A 3.5-mile hike leads to 13 white crosses marking where each firefighter fell.

Diverse Wildlife Habitat

The 28,465-acre wilderness supports 127 bighorn sheep, 23 black bears, 115 bird species, and a growing population of peregrine falcons. Eight pairs of golden eagles and 12 osprey pairs nest in the cliffs.

Boat Tour Experience

Boat tours have been running here since 1886. Four eco-friendly boats carry 25,000 visitors each year on 2-hour guided trips through the canyon. Tours run from Memorial Day through September 30, departing every two hours.

Hidden Caves and Springs

Explorers have mapped 67 caves and 12 natural springs throughout the canyon. Some caves go 200 feet deep, and Mermaids Grotto extends 157 feet below river level. Springs pour 50 gallons per minute into the Missouri River.

Mermaids Cave Mystery

Discovered in 1872, Mermaids Cave sits 35 feet underwater and stretches at least 275 feet into the cliffs. A 1998 sonar scan revealed strange rock formations and what appears to be a stone altar inside.

Flora and Plant Life

The canyon is home to 757 plant species, including 12 unique to Montana. June is peak wildflower season, with 47 species blooming along the trails. The rare Gates of the Mountains penstemon grows only here.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking trails cover 28 miles, including the 6.5-mile Refrigerator Canyon Loop. Anglers catch trout and walleye up to 8 pounds. Climbers can explore 157 routes ranging from beginner (5.6) to expert (5.13).

Conservation Efforts

Since 1964, the Wilderness Act has protected 28,465 acres. Monthly water tests help maintain river quality, and researchers from three Montana universities continue studying the area’s ecology and archaeology.