Onward to Independence Part 1
There is more to the wilderness than just wildlife, wildflowers and snow capped mountain peaks. The wilderness holds many hidden splendors. The trail you walk on, the river you fish, the road you travel, all possess history. It would take an entire book to outline everything so all I can do for now is offer you bits and pieces of history.
During the summer we like to spend time camping along the beautiful Boulder River South of Big Timber, Montana. It's only fitting, the name, with all the many sizes of boulders lining the banks. It isn't certain where the name originated but records from Lieutenant J. H. Bailey stated that " the Big Boulder River derives its name from the profusion of large stones with which its channel was filled".
The Main Boulder area was first designated a part of, the Absaroka Division of the Yellowstone Forest reserve by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1942, the Boulder became a part of the Gallatin. The Boulder Valley was occupied by the Crow Indian Nation during the 18th & 19th centuries. In 1882 the Crows ceded the area and the Boulder was opened to homesteaders and miners. Several mining districts were established at this time, including Independence, The Hidden Treasure, and the Daisy. When the miners and trappers first settled in this area, they were dependent on the river for drinking, farming and mining.
To view a large photo of the Crow click here.
There are many things to see along the 50 mile trek where the road ends at Box Canyon and then continues 11 miles along a narrow passage, full of switch backs and boulders, until you reach the old mining town of Independence. Not only is the scenery breathtaking as pine trees hover the road and the river mirrors the valley but if you're lucky you will see that glimpse of brown coats, polished antlers and flashing tails in the crisp morning hour or evening moonlight.
The start of the trek begins at Natural Bridge and Falls which is constrained by a deeply cut chasm during high water, the Boulder River flows over a 100-foot precipice, creating the spectacular Boulder River Falls. The smell of pine surely opens the senses. The rolling trees engulf this beautiful place as the sound of rushing water draws nearer. And as I peer over the railing, I'm always astounded at the speed of this water fall...breaking its pace as it rushes through the tunnel and back out. The calls echoing through the trees, convince me that the chipmunks are quite aware of our silent presence. If you look closely you can see fossilized sea shells from millions of years ago.
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