To some people the Smith River is the crown jewel of Montana streams. Why is that? Is it because access is controlled – a lottery system grants float permits – and the season is short? Or is it because the scenery is spectacular, with massive limestone cliffs rising a thousand feet or more above the river? To me, the beauty of the Smith is that it forces you and several of your friends to take time out for a few days in a row and enjoy a different rhythm, one that revolves around loading and unloading boats, setting up camp and hanging out around a campfire. To read more about why the Smith may be so popular, check out my story on MontanaUntamed.com. http://montanauntamed.com/get-outside/article_a22ba907-05ae-5cd0-8973-22f4f85cd007.html
(Written by Brett French – Outdoors Editor for the Billings Gazette/Montana Untamed)
