Big Sky is a huge ski area that I have only visited in fall when there is no snow. To get there from the north one drives through the beautiful Gallatin Canyon.

Montana’s rivers in this area are wildly viewed as some of the best places to fish in the U.S. We photographed this couple having considerable success.

Big Sky consists of Lone Peak with two huge ski areas and a broad meadow in an Alpine valley filled with shops, restaurants, and lodging. The photo at the right was taken at the lower end of the meadow where the congestion above is not visible. In the distance you can spot Lone Peak.

If you are looking for big sky you can find it a bit below the summit of Lone Peak as in the 16 shot panorama below.

I hiked the 1.7 mile round trip down to beautiful Ousel Falls in — believe it or not — the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River.

On the way back up the trail I stopped to admire and photograph the Engelmann Spruce trees across the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River.

Please enjoy the slide show that follows.