A Remarkable Rock in Montana

Along the entire Lewis & Clark Trail there is just one spot where you don't have to imagine the famed explorers having been there. That location is Montana's Pompeys Pillar, 28 miles east of Billings, just off of I-94. What makes this Lewis & Clark spot unique from all the others? Let's let Captain William Clark explain. Here is his journal entry from July 25, 1806.

"…arrived at a remarkable rock situated in an extensive bottom… this rock I ascended and from it's top had a most extensive view in every direction. This rock which I shall call Pompy's Tower is 200 feet high and 400 paces in secumpherance and only accessible on one Side … The natives have engraved on the face of this rock the figures of animals & near which I marked my name and the day of the month & year."

Clark's signature, the day and date remain visible on the towering pillar's rock face. Protected by a see-through covering, the signature can be viewed any time of year. The federal Bureau of Land Management operates Pompeys Pillar as a year-round visitor facility with staffed services available between Memorial Day and September 30. Walk-in access and self guided tours are allowed the rest of the year.

One of the popular events here is the annual Clark Day celebration. On the Sunday nearest the July 25 anniversary date, the public is invited to canoe the Yellowstone River in a re-enactment of the Corps of Discovery's approach. Numerous interpretive stations are set up to help explain the natural and human history of the area. Buffalo burgers and other concessions are available along with blue grass music.

The Sunshine Health Mine, Boulder Montana

In my search for weird and out of the way places to visit in the Pacific Northwest, I came across The Sunshine Health Mine in Boulder, Montana. It is one of several “health mines’ in the area where you can bathe in radon rays which are claimed to cure everything from colon cancer to gout. Although doctors once thought that there were therapeutic uses for exposure to radon, it’s never been scientifically proven. Who am I to call it a bunch of baloney?

Check it out for yourself. Apparently, a small exposure at one of the radon “spas” won’t harm you, but I can’t guarantee it!

The Sunshine Health Mine is located 33 miles southwest of Helena in Boulder, Montana.

To visit the Mine, take Interstate 15, exit on 160 High Ore Road. Follow the signs leading one mile up Galena Gulch to the Sunshine Health Mine.

The National Bison Range - Montana

The National Bison Range is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It was established in 1908 and is one of the oldest Wildlife Refuges in the nation.

As its name implies, the Refuge was established to support a population of American bison. It is home to about 350-500 of these animals. Other large wildlife found on the Range include elk, white-tail and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and black bear. Because of its open grasslands, the Bison Range is a place for the public to enjoy some excellent wildlife observation and photography.

A Visitor Center provides interpretive displays and orientation videos as well as a bookstore and restrooms. Staff is on hand to answer questions and dispense maps and brochures. This is a good place to start any visit.

Fees are charged during the summer (mid-May to late October). The Range is part of the U.S. Fee System and accepts Golden Passes and Federal Waterfowl Stamps. Pay fees at the Visitor Center.

Refuge Manager
132 Bison Range Road
Moiese, MT 59824
(406) 644-2211

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