Safety Tips in Montana

Yes, when an area has large forest and a dry season, wild fires can happen. Please use care and prevent yourself from have the burden of creating a wild fire. If you are in an area of a wild fire, follow the advice of the warnings and public announcements. Wild fires are usual events, do not let this picture scare you from visiting this wonderful state.

If you're from California, don't admit it! Some locals are quite offended by a few who have moved here bought land and then closed it off to locals. It is the modern day equivalent of buying Manhattan Island for beads. Locals will remember being able to go on other people property to fish, etc. Those days are slowly ending.

Believe it or not, in summer Montana can get EXTREMELY hot, so be prepared. While my west coast friend found it humid and hot, I am an east-coaster and it was a dream compared to OUR hot and humid summers!

If you recreate in the forest this summer, I would just like to ask that everyone please be extra cautious. We are currently in a severe, multi year draught situation, and all of the forest fuels are very dry. The picture of the forest fire that is attached to this narrative exemplifies that. It was taken from the top of Sunrise Mountain at dusk as the fire was cooling down after a very long day of intense activity. Please have fun, and be safe and careful out there. We all thank you!

Don't wait for the only Campsite of Crow Agency, Little Bighorn to be more than my back yard and I'm not the one who mow the meadow... really it's just a fairly dry meadow near the road and there is just a toilette (not a bathroom) with the shower nearby separated by the toilette only by a wooden wall which however is about 20 cm up from the floor.

And if you feel the need to go to bathroom when you wake up in the morning, it could happen that the toilette is locked because a couple of people used it to overnight and even an unruly man from Texas didn't succeed in getting them out.

This year was a really bad year for bear sightings, and thankfully few attacks. Anytime you are in the mountains; hiking, camping, whatever, you must be aware and prepared, for aggressive animal behavior. If hiking, be sure to make noise or carry 'bear bells' on your pack to alert the animal to your presence. Dispose of food properly, and keep it far away from where you are sleeping. Park rangers and even locals are really helpful and don't be too proud to ask. Its for your own safety.

Make reservations for summer travel in advance. If you want to be spotaneous, at least call one day ahead or you might end up sleeping in your car! This is especially true if you get off the interstates.

Weather can be VERY unpredictable. Carry layers of clothing at all times. Don't go off in the woods if you don't know what you are doing or you will have to be rescued. Yes, there are bears here. Moose can also be dangerous.