The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-05-04

Belt mountains, less imposing IMAM L00
Snowies, but not less interesting from a
after running parallel north and south for
thirty-fve miles, gradually trend toward
each other until they almost meet, form
ing the lower and middle canyons of the
Yellowstone. and enclosing the valley
that lies in an oval-shaped basin-thirty-
five miles in length and from two to
eleven in wIdth-between them.
The bordering mountains harbor noble
game, while the streams abound in fish.
The scientist and the pleasure seeker also
find plenty of material for reflection and
study. The fossils imbedded in limestone
cliffs, the formation of the mountains,
showing four distinctive geological periods,
and the petrifactions will be of interest to
the former, while the falls of Pine Cas-
cade and Emigrant creeks, the Emigrant
hot springs, Days lakes and numerous
other spots will be of interest to the latter.
The archBologist, too, must come in for
his share. The great stone wall of masonry
and earth that has been followed a distance
of twelve miles, the stone fences on the
plateau, between Emigrant and Six Mile
creeks, and the implements of warfare and
cooking utensils not used by any known
tribe Of Indians, show that in the long ago
some prehistoric race fourished in the val
ley.
And the health seeker will also find repose
and relaxation in Park county, which in
addition to its other attractions, and its
world famed wonders of the Yellowstone
valley has the now famous resort known
as Hunters Hot Springs, not merely be-
cause they present the wonderful spectacle
of an immense quantity Of boiling hot water
rushing up through the earth. which fact
in itself is striking phenomenon. but that
these waters are endowed with remarkable
medicinal qualities. The springs boil up
from rocky ledge in a beautiful little val
ley one and one-half miles north of the Vel
lowstone river at the edge of the foot hills
that skirt the base Of the perpetually snow
clad range of the Crazy mountains, at an
elevation of LASS feet above the seal level
and 285 feet above the river, from which
the rise is 40 gradual as to be almost inn
perceptible until one looks back. Around
the Springs basin on every side, except
that opening to the river, the ground rises
mountains behind, while beneath lies the
the valley of the Yellowstone with the glist-
ening river visible for miles as it PUSHES
between its wooded banks. On every side
tho view is bounded by lofty mountain
peaks, distant twenty to fifty miles and
many of them snow-clad throughout the
year.
The river along this portion of its course
abounds with trout, peculiar to the stream,
known as Yellowstone salmon. These fish
have been caught weighing six and one. half
pounds, the flesh is beautiful salmon col
or and delicate, delicious flavor.
The springs, twenty seven in number.
are in three principal groups, ranging in
heat from las to 1853 degrees Fahrenheit,
with combined outpour of l,5OO gallons
per minute, sufficient to allow one bath of
thirty gallons each to 1900 persons daily.
The water is clear, sparkling and remarka-
bly, soft. 1t contains no lime and deposits,
no sediment, and gives a soft, velyety feel
ing to the skin, delightfully."- refreshing and
pleasant.
The medicinal properties of these waters
are unsurpassed by any other thermal
springs in our country and probably equaled
by few in any land.
Hunters Hot Springs are reached via the
Northern Pacific from Springdale, where
stage is in readiness, and two-mile drive
takes the visitor to the resort. Park
county as whole is among natures won
ders.