The history of Montana's ranger stations spans most of the 20th century. From small isolated cabins to larger facilities with residences, bunkhouses, cookhouses and offices these were the Forest Service's bases of operation. As the work of the Forest Service expanded in location and complexity, ranger stations were developed to meet the needs of the workforce. Sometimes off the beaten path and sometimes an integral part of rural communities these facilities are a part of Montana's heritage. Some are long gone, some forgotten, and others are still in use. Their architecture is functional and mostly rustic. Many Forest Service retirees worked at these remote locations with out running water, electricity or regular mail service. This book will hopefully provide a bit of history about Montana's ranger stations and the people who lived and worked there.

Home In The Woods: Montana's Westside Ranger StationsThe second of two volumes, A Home in the Woods: Montana's Westside Ranger Stations covers the history of Forest Service ranger stations west of the Continental Divide on the Kootenai, Flathead, Lolo, and Bitterroot National Forests. These facilities range from small backcountry guard stations in the Bob Marshall Wilderness to small district headquarters to extensive facilities such as the Spotted Bear Ranger Station, with housing for staff as well as seasonal crews and about 80 head of pack stock for use in the backcountry. Isolated Forest Service facilities often served as the center of civilization for remote areas such as the North Fork of the Flathead or the Yaak River Valley. The Forest Service provided employment, and the timber industry was the base of the local economy for many of these areas. Many of these facilities are long gone and forgotten, some have been preserved and are in the Forest Service cabin rental program, while others are still in use as district headquarters and backcountry guard stations. This book provides information about Forest Service facilities and will help preserve information that all too often gets thrown out during an office cleanup day.

Outdoors writer-photographer Becky Lomax uses her experience as a skier, hiker, kayaker, and bicycler to capture the adventures of camping in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Lomax provides insight on the picturesque Glacier National Park, the incredible wildlife of Northwest Montana, and the high winds that characterize the Rocky Mountain Front. Moon Montana, Wyoming, & Idaho Camping is packed with information on national forests and parks, recreation areas, and backcountry sites. Complete with details on what to pack, what to wear, reservations and fees, and the best camping facilities, Moon Montana, Wyoming, & Idaho Camping gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable camping experience.