Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness is located in west-central Montana, spanning over 28,562 acres within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The area is so named due to the dramatic cliffs flanking the Missouri River, which Captain Meriwether Lewis famously described during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The wilderness boasts a diverse ecology, featuring ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests, expansive meadows, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and black bears. Recreation opportunities abound with activities like hiking, boating along the Missouri River, and exploring the rugged terrain. Historic landmarks, such as the site of the tragic Mann Gulch Fire of 1949, also attract visitors intrigued by both natural beauty and history.
