Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness is a protected area in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest where limestone cliffs rise straight up from the Missouri River. These vertical walls form a narrow passage through solid rock formations, with over 50 miles of trails winding through the landscape.
The area received its name when Meriwether Lewis documented the passage through the rock formations during the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. The region later gained attention through literary accounts describing significant events that occurred within its boundaries.
Mann Gulch within this wilderness became the subject of Norman Maclean's literature after a devastating fire claimed thirteen firefighters' lives in 1949.
The area is accessible through several entry points in the Beaver Creek drainage system and offers varied terrain for different skill levels. Visitors should prepare for changing conditions and bring proper footwear along with supplies for extended hikes.
Natural springs emerge directly from the rock walls at water level, creating a serene backdrop rarely seen in this region. These geological features add an unexpected element to the narrow passages hikers navigate through.
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