Gates of the Mountains

After spending the night in Butte, we drove up to Helena for lunch before heading to Gates of the Mountains for a boat tour on the Missouri River. Driving in the first thing you see is a lake.

Lake as you arrive at Gates of the Mountains

The boat had both covered and open deck seating. Betty managed to get a prime seat in the front row of the covered area right next to the captain and tour guide. I actually stood on the deck in back so I could move from side to side to take photos. Even if you were seated, the captain was very good about turning the boat back and forth so people on both the starboard and port side of the boat got to see everything.

Betty coming back onto the open deck to tell me something

Entrance sign for Gates of the Mountains Recreational Area

The captain was very skilled at maneuvering the boat so close to the cliff sides that you could almost reach out and touch them. He was also multitasking by simultaneously giving us very interesting commentary.

A view of the Gates of the Mountains

The captain pointed out various rock formations, described various plant life, talked about the animals, and gave the colorful history of the place. He spoke almost non-stop on the trip downstream, but did go silent for a short period on the return trip to just let us take in the view.

Monster in the cliffs

Pictographs

It looks like a  moss, but is actually a member of the rose family
Kelseya uniflora 

The captain also pointed out all the birds. For my birder friends, here are a few I was able to photograph. I also saw several blue belted kingfishers, but since they rarely sit still, I was not able to photograph one.

Young bald eagle, probably 3 years old
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald eagles nest

Osprey nest

Osprey
Pandion haliaetus

Great blue heron
Ardea herodias