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Montana
12

Montana State Parks

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Montana
Glacier Country Region
Stillwater State Forest
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STILLWATER STATE FOREST
STILLWATER STATE FOREST
Stillwater State Forest is a pristine and captivating natural haven, showcasing its immense beauty with its vast stretches of untouched wilderness. Nestled amidst towering trees and snow-capped mountains, this forest offers adventurers and nature enthusiasts a plethora of outdoor activities and breathtaking sights. With its peacefully flowing rivers, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse ecosystem, this forest serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species. Its extensive network of picturesque trails provides an opportunity for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to explore the stunning landscapes, while campers can immerse themselves in the tranquility and serenity of nature. Stillwater State Forest truly embodies the essence of Montana's unspoiled natural splendor.
History of the Area
Stillwater State Forest is located in northwestern Montana and encompasses an area of approximately 72,000 acres. The history of Stillwater State Forest dates back to the early 1900s when the U.S. Forest Service began acquiring land in the region for timber production and conservation purposes.

The forest's initial focus was on timber management, and logging activities were conducted to meet the increasing demand for wood products. As a result, much of the forest was clear-cut, affecting the natural biodiversity of the area. By the 1930s, the U.S. Forest Service recognized the need for conservation and began implementing measures to restore and protect the forested areas.

During the 1930s and 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in the development and restoration of Stillwater State Forest. CCC workers were instrumental in constructing trails, roads, bridges, and campsites, as well as planting trees to mitigate the previous logging impacts.

In the following decades, the management focus of Stillwater State Forest shifted towards recreation and wildlife conservation. Several recreational facilities, such as campgrounds and picnic areas, were established to cater to the growing demand from visitors.
Camping
1. Stillwater State Forest Campground: This campground is located within the forest itself and offers basic camping amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water.

2. Upper Whitefish Lake Campground: Located near the southern border of Stillwater State Forest, this campground provides access to fishing in Whitefish Lake along with hiking trails nearby.

3. Tally Lake Campground: A bit further south from the state forest but still close by for day trips into it; this large campsite has a beach area on Tally lake plus boat ramps available for use.

4. Big Creek Outdoor Recreation Area & Camping Grounds: It's situated right next to Flathead National Forrest which borders part of Stillwater State Forest offering RV sites with full hookups including electricity/water/sewer services alongside tent campsites too.

5. Round Meadow X-C Ski Touring Center - Cabin Rentals: If you prefer more comfort while being surrounded by nature then these cabins are perfect! They're nestled amidst trees providing ample privacy yet have modern facilities like heating/cooling systems etc inside them making your stay comfortable regardless of weather conditions outside!

6. Sylvan Peak Mountain Shoppe: Tent Sites/Campgrounds/RV Parks: Situated at foothills leading up towards peaks surrounding state park giving breathtaking views all around especially during sunrise/sunset times when sky changes colors dramatically creating mesmerizing scenes worth capturing through lens or simply enjoying over cup hot coffee sitting beside bonfire under starlit night skies above!

7. White Pine Lodge: Another great option if looking forward staying closer civilization without compromising natural beauty aspect since its location allows easy accessibility both downtown areas well wilderness regions alike thus catering needs every kind traveler whether they seek adventure solitude peace tranquility among serene landscapes untouched human interference whatsoever!
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Trails
1. Whitefish Divide Loop: This 55-mile loop trail offers a challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It traverses through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges.

2. Stillwater River Trail: A moderate level hiking path that follows along the scenic Stillwater river for about seven miles before it ends at an old logging road.

3. Red Meadow Lake Trail: An easy to moderate difficulty trail stretching approximately five miles long leading hikers to beautiful Red Meadow lake surrounded by wildflowers during summer months.

4. Tally Mountain Lookout Hike: Approximately six mile round trip hike up steep terrain offering panoramic vistas from atop Tally mountain lookout tower; considered difficult due to elevation gain but rewarding in terms of view points.

5. Upper Whitefish Lake Trails: These trails offer multiple options ranging from short day hikes around the lake or longer multi-day backpacking trips into remote wilderness areas; these are generally more strenuous routes requiring good physical fitness levels.

6. Beaver Lakes Area Trails: Multiple interconnected paths varying in length providing opportunities for shorter walks as well as full day hikes exploring numerous lakes within this area ; suitable for all skill levels depending on chosen route distance/difficulty.

7. Lupine Ridge Road - Elk Park Loop: Roughly ten mile circular track ascending over two thousand feet via switchbacks onto ridge line then descending back down towards starting point passing through diverse forest ecosystems including stands of larch trees which turn golden yellow each fall season making this particularly attractive autumnal trek option.

8. Murphy Creek - Murray Peak Circuit Route: Challenging twenty plus mile circuitous journey involving creek crossings, high altitude pass navigation & summit ascent reaching peak overlooking vast expanses below ; recommended only experienced outdoors enthusiasts prepared overnight camping if necessary given overall duration / intensity involved.

9. Lower Chain Of Lakes Day Use Area Paths: Shorter walking tracks located near picnic areas suitable for families with young children or those seeking less strenuous outdoor activity options ; these generally follow lake shorelines offering pleasant waterside strolling opportunities.

10. Stillwater State Forest Backcountry Trails: Numerous unmarked / unofficial routes crisscrossing forest lands providing endless exploration possibilities experienced hikers comfortable navigating without clear trail markers; potential wildlife sightings include deer, elk and possibly even bears.

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Directions
1. Start by heading west on Highway 90 from Billings.
2. Continue driving for approximately 70 miles until you reach Columbus.
3. In Columbus, take the exit onto US:10 W towards Laurel/Bozeman.
4. Stay on US:10 W for about 16 miles before turning right onto MT-78 N/Main St in Absarokee.
5. Follow MT:78 N through Fishtail and continue straight ahead as it becomes West Rosebud Road after crossing Rock Creek Bridge.
6. Continue along West Rosebud Road for around 20 miles until you see signs indicating the entrance to Stillwater State Forest.
7. Turn left into the forest's main entrance road and proceed according to any posted signage or instructions provided at that point.

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Montana
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Montana State Parks

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