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Weather conditions in The Gallatin National Forest are the definition
of extreme. Elevations range from 12,799 feet in the forest to
5,000 feet. This allows for a wide range of temperatures. The
forest can hit -40 degrees in the winter, and averages in the
70's during the summer. Snowfall is abundant in all areas of the
forest.
The "Gallatin" as it's known requires that you are well
prepared for any kind of weather conditions. We camp in the Gallatin
every summer and fall, and come prepared for a wide variety of weather.
Items of great importance are sunscreen, a hat that can effectively
block sun from the face, a wind blocking jacket, a warm long sleeve
top, a couple pairs of wool socks, broken in boots, a pair of sandals,
a light pair of hiking pants, warmer pants, a matching set of long
underwear, gloves and a knit hat. A sturdy, weatheproof tent and
a sleeping bag that is rated at least to 30 degrees F in real world
use are essential in this national forest.
A good supply of water during the summer months is essential to
prevent dehydration. It is fairly easy to find water in the forest.
A water filter makes things much easier. Many of the water pumps
in the campgrounds close in the fall so a filter is handy. Driving
back to town for water is not fun.
Afternoon summer thunderstorms are very common, but brief. These
can often contain lightning so be careful not to be exposed on a
ridge during this time. Some of the craziest thunderstorms I have
ever witnessed occurred in this forest. Hail is not uncommon.
Make sure you have tested your sleeping bag in real world conditions.
Many bags rated as 20 degree bags are really 40 degree bags. It's
not fun to be stuck
with a cold bag far from a shopping center. The mountains can get
cold at night, often dropping into the 40's even when the daytime
temps hit the 80's. It can drop to freezing any night of the year!
Mosquitos can be a problem in early and mid summer, but tend to
really phase out in late August and September.
Seasonal averages for West Yellowstone, Montana in the Gallatin
National Forest:
January maximum: 28.6 minimum: 9.6
April maximum: 49.4 minimum: 26
July maximum: 79.6 minimum: 46.7
October maximum: 55.7 minimum: 29.4
Image note: Taken on a remote river in the forest near the Absaroka-Beartooth
Wilderness. This bridge is known as "Four Mile".The bridge
is in pretty nice shape considering how far out it is. This was
a good area to observe water birds such as the American Dipper,
known as the only true aquatic songbird in North America. They like
to fly low and fast over tumbling water and get their food from
the river bottom. They truly are stunt birds. I've seen them diving
into places no other bird would dare try. They are stout looking
birds with a propensity to bobble up and down when standing.
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NEW! Gallatin National Forest campground
tours are now available! Our universal files work on any iPod
or computer. Those interested in less crowded campgrounds near
Yellowstone will want to view this pack. Click the iPod to order.
Parkcamper: Northern Rocky
Mountains Edition features
the campgrounds of Glacier,
Yellowstone, Grand Teton,
Badlands and Theodore
Roosevelt National Parks.
Click the DVD to order!
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