Montana Mountain : Carcross, Yukon, Canada

Montana Mountain is a recreation destination located south of the community of Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada. The mountain is in clear view of the community with waterways flanking each side. Bennett Lake is on the west side of the mountain and the Windy Arm of Tagish Lake is on the east side of the mountain.

During the summer months Montana Mountain is a mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding destination. In the winter, after the snow falls and the temperatures drop, the recreation trails and backcountry gravel roads are snowmobile and cross country routes.

For those who prefer to sightsee by vehicle there is a gravel road leading up the mountain. It is a good route to take to enjoy views of mountains, wildlife and fields of wild flowers. Time the season right and the colors come alive in the mountain valleys.

Some of the plant life viewed on the mountain includes the Alpine Buttercup, Alpine Forget-me-not, Arctic Lupine, Yellow Draba, Dwarf Fireweed, King's Crown, Lapland Rosebay, Northern Shooting Star, Sweet Coltsfoot and the Woolly Loousewort.

Whether exploring by trail or by gravel road there are many opportunities to view mining history and wildlife on the mountain. Grizzlies and caribou are often in the area feeding. Grizzlies are especially attracted to the many berry bushes in the area.

Mining once thrived on Montana Mountain. Have a keen eye and mining artifacts are everywhere hidden and consumed by nature. There are rusty carts, tailing piles, mine shafts and dilapidated stone cookhouses located on the mountain reminding us of the once thriving mining industry.

Montana Mountain enjoys a network of mountain biking trails. There are downhill runs. There are some trick runs with drops. Some are easy trails while others are considered difficult rides. All who mountain bike in the Yukon wilderness need to make allot of noise when riding the trails. You are in Grizzly country.

The mountain biking trail system focuses around the main trail on Montana Mountain which is the Sam McGee Trail. The old packhorse trail dates back to 1905 and was named after a famous miner. The packhorse trail was initially built to service the Mountain Hero Tramway which transported ore from the mines on Montana Mountain.

Some of the other mountain biking trails on the mountain include the Tincup Trail, Wally Springs, Lower Slab Express, Upper Slab Express, Rock Garden, Cat Track, Upper Tincup, Holly Roads and the Old Powerline.

How to Get to Montana Mountain

Travel the South Klondike Highway (Hwy #2) to the Southern Lakes community of Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada on the shores of Bennett Lake and the Natasaheenie River. In Carcross continue south on the highway over the river bridge and follow the signs to Montana Mountain Road. There is a lower parking lot on Montana Mountain Road.