McLeod

W.F. McLeod moved into the Boulder Valley with 200 horses and 125 head of cattle in 1882. Although prospecting had started in Independence in 1869, McLeod was considered the first permanent settler and so the town was named for him. Once a stop for freight going up the mountain, there is a school, post office and camping in McLeod now. Nestled in the beautiful Boulder Valley, McLeod offers opportunities for fishing in pristine mountain streams, rustic resort getaways, camping, hiking, hunting, horseback riding and much more. Near some spectacular natural and man-made wonder, McLeod is also a great home base for sightseers and photographers. Near Natural Bridge Falls there are paved paths start at the parking lot and meander along the Boulder River. There are several viewing points with signs telling about the area, falls and wildlife. In the spring there are actually three separate falls. Later in the year the river flows underground to reveal the limestone bedrock. For a day hike or picnic excursion, continue on to the Green Mountain trail. The terrain will change from grassland to heavy timber. Look for limber pine, lodge pole pine, Douglas fir and wildflowers galore. Deer, bear, elk and small animals may be seen along the way. Up the road from the Natural Bridge is the Lion's Head. It is a rock outcropping that can be seen on the way to Box Canyon. Indian Caves with pictographs are an easy hike from the Main Boulder Ranger Station. About an hour hike beyond Box Canyon is the abandoned mining town of Independence. The remains of cabins the gold seekers built can be seen nestled in a breathtaking mountain valley.

Elevation: 4,803ft. • County: Sweet Grass

Big Timber / Sweet Grass Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 1012
(Exit 367 off I-90)
Big Timber, MT 59011

Phone: 406-932-5131

Website: www.bigtimber.com
Email: info@bigtimber.com

Around McLeod

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