Roger Peffer's Outside Page!
Living in Montana we have access to an assortment of ecosystems, abundant wildlife and tremendous outdoor recreational opportunities. This page will provide the reader with links to organizations to help you EXPLORE MONTANA! Have Fun! Enjoy yourself! Be Safe!
Wildlife/Environment Related Opportunities:
BIRDS: Montana has some incredible bird populations from a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from prairies, deciduous forests, coniferous forests, subalpine and alpine. Waterfowl that migrate thru Montana may take the Central or the Pacific Flyway. Birdwatching and hunting abound. Many communities have been involved with the Montana Audubon for birding road tours throughout the state. The Snow Goose migration at Freezout Lake is a "must see"! The northern migration peaks toward the end of March!
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Sharp-tail Grouse Lek Video 1 @ Benton Lake Refuge 3/31/2013
Sharp-tail Grouse Lek Video 2 @ Benton Lake Refuge 3/31/2013
Sharp-tail Grouse Lek Video 3 @ Benton Lake Refuge 3/31/2013
HUNTING: Wonderful big and small game opportunities abound!
Outdoor Recreational Opportunities:
HIKING/CLIMBING/SKIING: Wow! Mountain Ranges everywhere! Montana is a hikers paradise. You can disappear into the mountains for weeks at a time a hardly run into another person. You may see more BEARS than people! (Always carry pepper spray!) The MWA offers an assortment of outdoor opportunities through their Wildernesss Hikes Program. They lead winter snowshoe hikes and summer trail hikes throughout the state. Check out their webpage for more information on this organization. The Glacier Mountaineering Society offers climbing opportunities for more adventurous souls. Backcountry skiing in the Front Range and the Big and Little Belts cans be fantastic! Downhill Skiing is found at Showdown , Teton Pass, and Great Divide. All within a few hours of Great Falls.
Montana Wilderness Association (MWA)
MWA Wilderness Walks Program (snowhoeing and hiking!)
Out there with Tom! Tom Kotynski has a great Blog about all sorts of hiking, skiing and outdoor adventures in Montana. Check it out!
Avalanche Safety and Information
USDA Forest Service- Lewis and Clark Natl Forest
CANOEING/KAYAKING: Wow! Rivers and lakes abound. Dozens of rivers and lakes to float and paddle will offer opportunities to people with all levels of skills.
Although they do not have a web page, the Medicine River Canoe Club offers canoeing classes and have regular float trips all summer long throughout Montana. Check them out!
MT Stream Flow Information USGS