FOREST RECREATION DEPARTMENT 



ARTHUR H. CARHART, EDITOR 



HELENA NATIONAL FOREST A MOTORIST'S PLAYGROUND 



BY A. H. ABUOTT, 



"11^ ONTAXA, the land of shining mountains, 'offers to 

 the jaded citizen looking for restful vacation advan- 

 tages unusual. Known and advertised for its mineral de- 

 posits, its livestock industry and farming opportunities 

 and its magnificent 

 stands of timber, the 

 Treasure State offers 

 also a wide range of lofty 

 snow-capped peaks, wa- 

 terfalls, tree - fringed 

 lakes and trout - filled 

 streams. These make up a 

 vacation country of un- 

 usual charm and delights. 

 Many of these beauty 

 spots are practically in- 

 accessible except to the 

 seasoned camper who 

 can stand the vigorous 

 exercise necessary t o 

 cover long trips on 

 horseback. But there 

 are people who for many 



reasons are unable to stand the rigors of such a trip, and 

 these seek places where motor or carriage can take them 



FOREST SUPERVISOR 



in greater comfort and ease. All National Forests offer 

 the chance to rough it, but there are a few which present 

 to the visitor scenic values equal to others which can be 

 also traveled in auto or buckboard. Such a Forest is the 



Helena National Forest, 

 with headquarters at He- 

 lena, Montana. No more 

 romantic land can be 

 .found if one is inclined 

 ito see k those places 

 where history has been 

 iiiade. Every gulch, ev- 

 ery town and each stream 

 have tales to tell of the 

 golden days of early min- 

 ing activities. Many are 

 old ghost cities now, but 

 around the stark skele- 

 tons of mills and cabins 

 hangs a glamor equal to 

 the cloak of romance 

 worn so readily and 

 gracefully by the scenic 

 settlements of the Old World. Helena, the capital city of 

 Montana, is built in Last Chance Gulch. This name 



Many of the playgrounds of America have been well 

 known to the public for many years.. The form of Old Faith- 

 ful spouting in steamy grandeur at once suggests to all the 

 great recreation grounds within the Yellowstone National 

 Park. Many other cases could be cited where the scenic 

 features of these areas are as well known to all. But one 

 showing a picture of the Gate of the Mountains in the 

 Helena National Forest would have to explain where and 

 what it is. There are many little advertised but wonder- 

 fully beautiful scenic features in our National Forests and 

 in them are many recreation fields of unbeatable offerings 

 to the vacationist. It is somewhat with the same pleasure 

 that you present a newly found friend to an old acquaint- 

 ance that this department asks you to meet the Helena 

 National Forest. It is deserving of your friendship and 

 paying it a visit will prove this. Make this article your 

 introduction to this Forest and an invitation to come and 

 get personally acquainted with it. 



GATE OF THE MOUNTAINS 



Lewis and C!ark paused here in their expedition of exploration to the northwest. Here the river cuts directly through the Big 

 Belt r.iountains flowing through a canyon with sides of jagged rock partially cloaked with greenery of fir and spruce. 



