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MOONRISE, SUNSET
Sunset and Full Moon Hikes at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
Watching the sun sink over Square Butte, with the sky painted in a palette worthy of a Charlie Russell canvas. Enjoying a hike to the top of the buffalo jump with family and friends. Spotting a coyote loping through the sage or a herd of pronghorn grazing along the trail. Pondering the First Peoples who created the ancient tepee rings on the prairie and learning how they used the buffalo jump and processed the animals to sustain their families. Taking time to sit quietly and watch the cold moonlight spill over the stark and rugged Birdtail Hills.
These are the experiences that have made the Sunset & Full Moon Hikes at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park increasingly popular, according to park manager Clark Aasom. Aasom has held the manager position at the park located south of Great Falls since 2019. He and his team schedule these hikes several times each year when the sunset and full‑moonrise coincide on a weekend evening.
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A STEP BACK IN TIME
Take a paleo adventure at Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park is Montana’s largest state park, and among the most unique. This nearly 12,000-acre park situated along the edge of Glendive is known for its breath-taking badlands formations and extensive dinosaur fossil remains.
The park has an elevation of 2,415 feet and is home to several popular hiking trails that wind through rock formations that have been artfully eroded by the elements.
For those unfamiliar with the park, it has a visitor center, 11 designated hiking trails, scenic drives, an outdoor amphitheater, group use shelters, a disc golf course, a tent and RV campground, and an archery range. The campground is undergoing an expansion, and improvements are planned for the archery range. Soon a cabin will join the lodging options at the park.
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WATCH: How to stay safe hiking in bear country
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Kids and recreating in bear country 🐻
This video shares simple, family-friendly tips for heading outdoors safely: managing extra attractants like snacks and diapers, keeping your group together with an “adult sandwich,” making noise on the trail, and talking with kids about what to do if they encounter a bear.
A little preparation can help build confidence and a lifelong respect for wildlife.
Visit our bear aware webpage for more great resources before your next adventure:
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Scoping survey
Help shape the future of Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
FWP is updating the management plan for Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park and is asking the public to share their thoughts about the park.
The park's current management plan was adopted in 2000 and amended in 2007.
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Park people
Getting to know FWP’s recreation managers
A visit with Andy Keller, the new recreational park manager for the Pictograph Cave State Park district in FWP Region 5.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in the Eastern Montana town of Sidney along the Yellowstone River. I grew up on a small family ranch.
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Makoshika festival celebrates local music and arts
The fifth annual Makoshika Music and Arts Festival will be Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Makoshika Hiatt Amphitheater at Makoshika State Park. This free event runs all day and features local musicians, craft vendors, beer and wine vendors, food trucks and more. Visitors can see art displays by local artists and participate in community-created murals. Other activities include live painting and guided hikes.
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September Bear Aware Events
When: Sept. 8-11
Where: Kalispell
What: FWP will accept fruit donations from landowners gleaning or removing fruit from their properties. The fruit drive is an opportunity for the public to help reduce bear attractants while also supporting the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.
When: Sept. 9, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Helena, Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave
What: Family Hike: Exploring Bear Country. Bring the whole family along for a fun, educational hike and learn how to safely recreate safely in bear country.
When: Sept. 12, 12 – 2 p.m.
Where: Whitefish, North Valley Food Bank Harvest Fest
What: Learn about safely recreating in bear country and tips for how to secure attractants around your home.
When: Sept. 15, 22, 29, 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Kalispell, Region 1 Headquarters, 490 N Meridian Road
What: Stop by any time during these office hours for bear safety tips and to practice with inert bear spray.
When: Sept. 14, 21, 28, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Helena, 2668 Broadwater Ave, Montana Wild
What: Campsite Bear Aware Challenge. All ages are welcome. A messy camper has left behind a hazardous campsite. Reset a mock campground full of "bear attractants”.
When: Sept. 16, 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Missoula, Region 2 Headquarters, 3201 Spurgin Road
What: Stop by the Missoula FWP office this summer during open "bear aware office hours." We'll be on hand during these times to answer questions and share bear safety tips. Plus, practice using inert bear spray with a charging robo bear.
When: Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell
What: Learn about recreating safely in bear country. Learn how to recognize bear activity, prevent conflicts, respond to encounters and use bear spray safely.
When: Sept. 30, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Helena, Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave
What: Bear Evolution Talk. Did you know that bears were the size of your cat 30 million years ago? Discover the history of bears in this evolutionary ursine adventure!
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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1420 East Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
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