The western third of Montana sees the state at its best - from Big Timber westwards, I-90 squeezes between dramatic mountain ranges, making an exhilarating approach to Yellowstone country, replete with outdoor opportunities and bustling communities. The only mining camps to grow into substantial permanent settlements were state capital Helena and craggy Butte , which made its money from copper. Between them they conjure up more of a feel for the rambunctious times, the lust for profit and the post-bust hardships of the era than all the hyped-up ghost towns in the Rockies combined.

Western Montana

• Western Montana

Explore Western Montana

• Bozeman
• Butte
• Flathead Valley
• Gates of the Mountains
• Glacier National Park
• Helena
• Missoula
• Missouri Headwaters State Park

Montana cities


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