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Bear Gulch pictographs provide glimpse into Montana past
January 12, 2009
editor@montanaliving.com
By Lynn Donaldson
Twenty-five miles southeast of Lewistown, there’s a secret. At least, it was a secret until Ida and Macie Lundin began telling folks about it last year. Though their family has owned the ranch in the foothills of the Little Snowy Mountains since 1921, it wasn’t until last spring that the mother and daughter began offering tours of the Bear Gulch Pictograph Caves, which is located on their property. The ancient site boasts an unusually high number of cave drawings, about 2,000, on limestone cliffs.
Tours begin only at 10 a.m., at which time daughter Macie loads visitors into the back of her pickup, then bounces us along a dusty trail past sagebrush, an abandoned homestead and down a steep escarpment to the trailhead.
Tall and lanky with sun-bleached hair, Macie effuses an easygoing demeanor as she guides us along a creek bed then up a gentle rise in the trail. An easy walk for people of all ages, the path traces a limestone wall covered with terra-cotta hued figures depicted with shields and staffs. Snakes, turkey tracks and handprints are also visible, some imagery dating back to 400 B.C. Macie doesn’t rush her visitors, allowing us plenty of time to stop and ogle the drawings. Depending on the number of questions asked, the tour can last a couple hours. Plan to pack lunch to a great picnic spot near the drawings and creek. Back at the house, take Ida up on her offer to view her collection of fossils and ancient Native American artifacts she keeps in antique Hoosier cabinets.
Tours leave every day at 10 a.m. Simply show up, or reserve a spot and get directions by calling (406) 428-2185.
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