Getting Wild with Flowers

The grass is greening up, the sun is shining more, and wildflowers are starting to come into bloom in Sanders County. Reports of buttercups, croces and violas are coming in. Here are a few shots of flowers from days out and about.

 Wild Iris found at Finley Flats between Thompson Falls & Trout Creek

 These may be weeds to some, to us they were pretty splashes of yellow during a hike around the PPL Island Park in Thompson Falls. 

If you happen to capture lovely wildflowers during visits to or your time living here, please email us a copy so we can add to this blog post: info@tour200.com

Thompson Falls - Big Horn Sheep Capital of the World

It's official. We declare Thompson Falls, Sanders County as the Big Horn Sheep Capital of the World! We know, there are big horn sheep all over Montana and the Rockies. But we make the official declaration. 

The best time to capture a photo of these animals is October - Early spring. You do not have to go far to find them. They are often blocking Highway 200 between Plains and Thompson Falls. 

Here is a short collection of big horn sheep photos & YouTube.com Videos to enjoy.  

Rams in pairs taken by Linda Elliott

Photos by Katrina Campbell, Falls Motel

Sanders County Wildlife Collection

Sanders County has wildlife in abundance! There are so many photos available from area residence, that I wasn't even sure where to begin...so this is a general post of some of the favorites.

Whitetail buck off Blue Slide Road by Graves Creek. We also have Mule Deer in the region.

 Trout? Got them, plus pike, salmon, etc...

 Bison Range Wildlife Refuge near Dixon, Montana. (Photos by James Rexhouse & Linda Elliott)

 Historic photo of Bison in Sanders County by the Sanders County Historical Society.

 

 Elk? Yep, got those too! (Linda Elliott photo)

 Canadian Geese - there's so many we think of them as Montana Geese

 More Whitetail Deer - all year round.

Large herds of Big Horn Sheep reside between Thompson Falls & Plains
Sanders County must be the big horn sheep capital of the world. 

We also have black and brown bear, mountain goats, moose, a huge variety of birds....check back for posts with photos of them in future Wildlife Collections.

Sanders County Old Barn Collection

Barns (old and new) stand as testaments to the agricultural heritage of this country. In Sanders County, Montana a variety of barns can be found along the highways, off the beaten path tucked away between two mountains or down a winding country road.

Highway 28 at Mile Marker 28 (MM28). Photo courtesy Katrina Campbell.

Highway 200 at Weeksville between MM68-69 between Plains & Thompson Falls. 

Photo by Katrina Campbell

Highway 200 by MM 38, photo by Katrina Campbell

Highway 200 outside Paradise near the Highway 135 intersection. Photo courtesy Jon Jonckers. 

Barn and Rails by Jon Jonckers. Between Trout Creek & Thompson Falls.

Michaels Ranch Barn in Winter by Ray Marshall, Whitepine area.

Compose

Poker Run So Much Fun in Sanders County

CABINET RIDGE RIDERS SNOWMOBILE POKER RUN

Date: Always the 2nd SaturdayPreview
Times: Friday Registration 4:00pm-9:00pm at Wayside Bar, Saturday Registration 7:00am-9:00pm
Fees: Admission is free, Poker hands are $5.00
Description: The annual Snowmobile Poker Run is an all day event with registration and bon fire on Friday evening 4:00pm-9:00pm at the Wayside Bar. Registration opens on Saturday morning 7:00–9:00am. The run starts on a groomed trail along the Clark Fork Valley leaving Trout Creek. The ride goes through the scenic Kootenai National Forest up to Gem Peak Jct. At the Cabinet Ridge Rider Warming Hut free food, warm fire and soft drinks are available on the mountain. The snowmobiles will then descend down the mountain along a scenic creek back to Trout Creek. After the run there will be raffles, a live auction and fun for all! The evening activities will take place at the Wayside Bar & Grill usually around 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, Poker hands are $5.00
Sponsors: Lakeside Motel & Resort, Trout Creek Motel & RV Park, Wayside Bar, Cabinet Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club
Contact: John Harris (406) 827-4458

Snowmobiling in Sanders County

Preview

S&S Sports, Inc. joins Tour 200 as a 10% club member! Check them out at www.sandssports.com. They have two locations to serve your motor sport needs. Sanders County has miles and miles of trails to enjoy on your snow machine in the winter and your OHV, ATV, Jeep in the summer. If you need equipment or your vehicle needs a repair, S & S Sports, Inc. is here to serve you.

A snowmobile adventure can be had on a day trip to Murray, Idaho.

See you out on the snow!