US 287 through the Dearborn River valley cuts right through the Montana bread basket.  On both sides we pass wide, rolling wheat fields stretching as far as the eye can see.  Then there are grasslands, equally as immense splashing up against the ranges of the continental divide on the west.  Creeks and streams meander through, creating ribbons of green where cottonwood trees and willow flats thrive.  A band of 30 or so pronghorn are hanging out.  There is more wheat.  Soon we see the ranges of Glacier Park; Livingston and Lewis and Clark sub ranges of the Rockies.  Within the park are 150+ peaks over 8000 ft.  We are in the Blackfoot Reservation now where cattle share space with a large herd of bison.

We make a quick stop at the St Mary’s visitor center for hiking info and maps then move on to settle in at Chewing Black Bones Campground in Babb.  Pretty simple place but just fine for our basecamp for exploring Glacier.