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From broad valleys to a narrow canyon, the Jefferson River passes through a region of significant geological diversity, with some of the oldest and youngest rocks of North America and a diversity of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary formations.The Jefferson River is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 83 miles (134 km) long. The Jefferson River and the Madison River form the official beginning of the Missouri at Missouri Headwaters State Park near Three Forks.
The Tobacco Root Mountains lie in the northern Rocky Mountains, between the Jefferson and Madison Rivers in southwest Montana.[1] The highest peak is Hollowtop at 10,604 feet (3,232 m). The range contains 43 peaks rising to elevations greater than 10,000 feet (3048 m).
Hollowtop Mountain (10,604′) is the highpoint of the Tobacco Root Mountains and can be seen on the horizon west of Bozeman, MT. It gets its name from the concave nature of its northeast face.
The Pipestone area is a great place to participate in some of the most popular outdoor recreation in Montana, including hiking, mountain biking, hunting, dispersed camping, climbing, and wildlife viewing. The varied terrain of the Pipestone OHV area (located along the Continental Divide) provides opportunities for all ability levels, from beginner to expert, on motorized off road vehicles, dirt bikes, and mountain bikes.
The rocks in this unique geologic area chime when tapped lightly with a hammer. It is believed that the ringing is a combination of the composition of the rock and the way the joining patterns have developed as the rocks have eroded away, if a boulder is removed from the pile, it doesn't ring. This unique geological formation is located approximately 18 miles east of Butte and north of I-90.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition is a central part of Montana’s history. Following the trail and visiting its landmarks is a great way to experience the state like Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark did more than 200 years ago.
