Things to Do in Red Lodge

Red Lodge is a small city located in south, central Montana with a population of approximately 2,200.  It was established in the late 1800’s and relied on coal mining until the Great Depression.  Upon many mines closing, residents turned to bootlegging, selling its “syrup” as far away as San Francisco and Chicago.

The city was linked to Yellowstone National Park after the Beartooth Highway opened in 1936.  This access to the park coupled with the largest coal mining disaster in Montana in 1943, steered the Red Lodge economy toward the outdoors and tourism.

Over time, it’s lovely downtown has been redeveloped, and the red brick buildings donning American flags feature a variety of boutiques, restaurants and hotels. Despite the recent Yellowstone floods which heavily affected the area, Red Lodge is a great little city to visit with many things to do.

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Pintler Scenic Byway – Phillipsburg to Anaconda

So, I camped off the dirt road going to the Glacier Lake Trailhead for few nights while I hiked in Flathead National Forest.  I had little shade, but great cell service which was a pleasant surprise in the wilderness.  A car coming down from the Glacier Lake Trail stopped to warn me that a bear just ran by VANgo!  Ugh, I’m so sad I missed it!!  Annie growled at something, but I did not see a thing.  It’s amazing how quiet they can be.

Anyway, from Condon, I took the scenic route to Butte in Southwestern Montana.  I passed by Seeley Lake which I visited on my road trip across the USA 11 years ago and then dropped down into Drummond where I picked up the Pintler Scenic Byway.

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