Natural Bridge State Park

     One of the most beautiful natural attractions in Sweet Grass County is Natural Bridge, a 105 foot waterfall south of McLeod up the Boulder River.  Natural Bridge is considered the one of the finest parks of the Montana State Park System and is cooperatively managed by the Big Timber Ranger District, Gallatin National Forest and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Photo provided by Joan Shurtliff.

     Natural Bridge is named for the stone arch that used to cross over the river, but has since collapsed in 1989.  The river cuts through the limestone river bed each year forming caverns which the river flows through.  There is an interpretive trail along the falls with spectacular scenic lookout points along the way.  If you look closely in the sedimentary rock, you can see fossilized sea shells from millions of years past. This unique formation is best viewed through May and July when the waters are at their highest, although Natural Bridge offers spectacular viewing all year long.

    
Map to the Natural Bridge

     Access to Natural Bridge is excellent- (see map below). take McLeod Street (U.S. Highway 289) south through historic downtown Big Timber and enjoy the scenic 30 mile drive up the Boulder Valley to the Park. 

     Park at the nice gravel parking lot which can handle larger vehicles.  Facilities include a handicapped accessible toilet, a paved walkway leads you to scenic overlooks, picnic facilities, and interpretive signs that explain the dynamics and geology that formed the Natural Bridge. 

     It is advisable to monitor pets and small children in the park due to the of steep cliffs within the park . For more information call the Big Timber Ranger District at 932-5155.

  One interesting note about Natural Bridge is that is separates species of fish- no Brown trout are found above the Natural Bridge.  The falls act as a natural barrier to any fish traveling upstream.   

     If you are interested in hiking, a great day hike awaits you starting from Natural Bridge.  Just across the foot bridge over the Boulder River  at Natural Bridge leads to the Green Mountain Trail, constructed by the Montana Conservation Corps.  This moderate hike takes you through grasslands to heavy timber. Look for limber pine and lodgepole pine, as well as Douglas fir. Limber pine, identifiable by its clusters of five needles and smooth grey-green bark, often grow by themselves on dry sites, in limestone soils.     Wildflowers are abundant along the trail where you may see white-tail and mule deer, black bear and elk. The view of the Boulder River Valley is excellent. 

  
More Views of Natural Bridge Click on the Photos.