PRO Photographer Dream Destination Series: Montana
Montana is a photographer's paradise, with its vast wilderness, stunning mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife. From the rugged peaks of Glacier National Park to the crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake, there are countless destinations in Montana that offer opportunities for photographers to capture breathtaking shots. In this post, we've compiled a list of the top spots for photography in Montana, including both well-known destinations and hidden gems that are off the beaten path.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a must-visit for any photographer visiting Montana. The park is home to a vast array of stunning landscapes, including rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and fields of wildflowers. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a winding 50-mile road that traverses the park, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and is a great place to capture stunning panoramic shots.
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and it's easy to see why it's such a popular spot for photographers. The lake is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests, making it the perfect place to capture landscape shots. The lake itself is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and ospreys, which can be photographed from the many viewpoints along the shore.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a lesser-known destination in Montana, but it offers a wealth of opportunities for photographers. The canyon itself is a breathtaking sight, with towering cliffs and sparkling blue waters. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and bald eagles, which can be photographed from the many overlooks along the canyon rim.
Makoshika State Park
As you adventure close to the North Dakota border, you will see the glaciers and lake subside and a new terrain of colored rock and natural arches form. At roughly 11,500 acres the Makoshika State Park is Montana’s State Park, making for many amazing photography opportunities. The Makoshika State Park is known for their badland formations as well as fossil remains of Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex and other prehistoric life. The park is also home to 28 camping sites if you’re interested in staying up late to do astrophotography or waking up early to capture the sunrise.
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald can be found in Glacier National Park, but is known for its colorful rocks and pebbles that cover the lake floor. Alongside its beauty, Lake McDonald is also the largest lake in Glacier National Park. With many hiking trails leading to the stunning lake and wrapping all around, there is multitude of ways to reach the Lake as well as terrain to explore once you’re there. Not only is there stunning landscape to capture at Lake McDonald, but for wildlife photographers there are moose, mule deer, grizzly bears, and black bears that can be found in this area as well.
The Big Sky Resort
The Big Sky Resort is a popular ski resort in Montana, but it's also a great place for photographers to capture shots of the stunning mountain scenery. The resort is located in the Gallatin National Forest, and it offers a variety of activities for photographers, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In the winter, the resort is a great place to capture shots of skiers and snowboarders in action, and in the summer, the resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out in photography, Montana has something to offer for everyone. From the iconic geysers of Yellowstone National Park to the Badlands terrain in the Makoshika State Park, the state is brimming with opportunities for photographers to capture stunning shots.
We hope this list of the top 10 spots for photography in Montana has inspired you to plan a trip and start snapping away at the many beautiful landscapes and subjects that the state has to offer.
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