Marias Pass

Marias Pass is a mountain passage through the Northern Rocky Mountains connecting eastern and western Montana with gradual slopes suitable for rail and road traffic. The corridor accommodates both a major railroad line and a federal highway that operate year-round to move freight and travelers across the state.

The Great Northern Railway completed its line through the pass in 1890, establishing a crucial link between the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. This railway development opened the region to broader commerce and settlement patterns.

Native American tribes utilized this natural corridor for generations before European settlers discovered its potential for railway development.

The area remains accessible year-round, though winter conditions can bring snow and variable road situations. Travelers should prepare for changing weather and check current conditions before making the crossing.

A granite obelisk marking the summit dates to 1931 and honors Theodore Roosevelt. This monument reflects the president's role in supporting railroad expansion across the mountainous west.