Summer Activities

Sapphire mining at Gem Mountain MT
Kids working gravel at Gem Mountain

Gem Moutnain – (406) 859-4367
Pan for your own Montana sapphires!  This is a great day for the entire family.  The mine is open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily from Labor day until late September.

In addition, Gem Mountain’s “in-town” store is open year round.  You will find sapphires, rings, earings, necklaces, mining supplies (such as pans and gravel).

 

 

 

 

 

US Forest Service Ranger Station – Philipsburg, MT – (406) 859.3211

An excellent resource for maps, hiking areas, fishing information, off-road trails/roads, campfire restrictions, streams, lakes, plants, and so much more.

 

Backpacker Magazine Article

granite1
Mining in the 1800′s

Granite Ghost Town – The remnants of this once thriving 1890′s silver boom town bear stark witness to Montana’s boom-and-bust mining history.  Montana State Parks preserves the Granite Mine Superintendent’s House and ruins of the old Miners’ Un;ion Hall, which have been included in the Historic American Buildings Survey.  This remote mining camp calls for a camera.  The road from Philipsburg to Granite gains 1,2080 fett in elevation.  The road is narrow, steep and winding.  Be prepared to pull over for oncoming traffic (traffic is a relative term…you may encounter “a” car).  A vehicle with good clearance is recommended.  From the flashing light/stop sign in the middle of Philipsburg, turn right.  Just past the railroad trestle, turn left.  Follow this gravel road for approximately a mile, then turn right at the sign marking the way.  Granite is approximately four miles from Philipsburg.  For more information call (406) 542-5500.

 

 

FlyFishRC
Fly Fishing Rock Creek

Fly Fishing – If you need flies that work in the local waters, call fly fishing expert, Chuck “The Fly Guy” (406) 360-4049.  Excellent fly fishing on Flint Creek, Rock Creek and many more…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgetown Lake
Georgetown Lake

Georgetown Lake – Boating, fishing, and windsurfing.  High alpine lake just 15 minutes south of Philipsbureg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skalkaho Pass – This pass is a bit of an adventure…. dirt road and all, but it does connect the Flint Creek Valley (Philipsburg) with the Bitterroot Valley (Hamilton).  Great hiking and photography along the way.