Choteau (show-toe) is a small city, with less than 2,000 people living here. Located in northwest central Montana, it is known for grain and cattle. Wheat, barley, chickpeas and lentils are grown here.
Choteau, Montana
The area is also known for the Bob Marshall Wilderness which is approximately 1 million acres of roadless pristine federal land along the Continental Divide that is referred to as “the Bob”. There are elk, bear, cougar, lynx, bighorn sheep, wolverine, and many other animals that can only be seen by hiking or on horseback. Choteau is one of the access points into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
On our way to Choteau we stopped in Helena, Montana. It was about a four hour drive from Red Lodge to Helena. We stayed at a KOA that had full service and good WIFI. We primarily stayed here because there is a Costco were we could stock up on supplies and refill prescriptions.
In Choteau there were farm raised elk. Probably extremely good eats, but rare to see on a menu in our travels.
Choteau Mountain View RV Campground
They had 50-amp service, good water pressure, sewer and fast enough internet to stream. There were prairie dogs everywhere, enough to keep Jake entertained. Otherwise, the RV park was a previous KOA with a weird layout and the new owners were working hard to overcome the years of neglect. Our site was quiet and relaxing. That was all we really need in a campground. A great view is just icing on the cake.
Dramatic sunsets were a nice bonus.
We took the North Fork Road which follows the North Fork of the Teton River and South Fork Road which follows the South Fork of the Teton River into the Ear Mountain Wilderness. Both canyons are beautiful.
The north fork had quite a bit of old fire damage. The views were amazing and there is a ski area up here.
Along the way there were numerous small waterfalls.
Pronghorn keeping watch.
The wildflowers were just starting to peak. There were beargrass, penstemon, columbine, and geranium.
Montana Dinosaur Center
What a treat. The area is known for dinosaurs. These were egg fossils.
It’s where the North Americas first dinosaur eggs were discovered and intact baby dinosaurs were found.
The Montana Dinosaur Center has a copy of one of the largest intact dinosaur. It was discovered in New Mexico. The facility is small, but packed with specimens. We enjoyed our visit, then went to the Antler Bar and Lounge for a beer and lunch. There were a few trucks parked outside and one towing a cattle trailer. The locals talked about fishing, having to sell their cattle early because of drought, and life in Choteau.
We always enjoy seeing aspen leaves in the wind and hearing the birds.
