The Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine in Helena Montana offers a great way to discover valuable gems. This lovely, historic mine sits on the banks of scenic Hauser Lake beckoning to visitors to come and sift through gravel to look for sapphires.

The Mine is open year round but digging and sifting is easier during the warmer months of the year. Visitors today  can find sapphires of every color but the most common color is green-blue.  Blue Sapphire is best known but Ruby Red Sapphires are the most prized.

Sapphires commoly average .5 carats up to a whopping 10 carats, the largest sapphire found at the mine was a huge 155 carat sapphire! Other gems can also be found, diamonds, topaz, citrine, ruby and garnets.

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The last gold nugget was found in Last Chance Gulch during the summer 1864, but that doesn’t mean the mining has stopped.  In fact, many people today are still trying their hand at discovering gold, and gold can still be found today in many Helena areas.

One of the best places to look for gold is in old adits, almost horizontal passages that lead into a mine or in the pits.  Some of the best places in Helena to look for gold is the city’s south hills, where there are many adits and pits that date back to the late 1800s.

If you are feeling lucky, grab a gold pan and and head out to the hills to find your fortune.

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Helena offers amazing mountain bike riding right out your front door.  Here is a list of some of the most popular mountain biking trails in the area.

Dump Gulch- One of the easiest trails available and offers many choices for a quick and exciting ride.

McKelvy Trail- meets up with Ridge Trail, Known as Helena’s  Spine, from here you can go in ANY direction to find exhilarating downhill rides.

Show Me The Horse- steep, perilous ride down countless switchbacks, there is little room for error on this challenging single track but you will enjoy the view.

Mini Ridge- A long, fast, rocky connection to Grizzly Gulch that always delivers explosive trail riding adventure.

Diretissima- challenges riders with downhill switchbacks and rock gardens and dumps you out on the Le Grande Cannon.

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Residents and visitors to Helena can both enjoy the wonderful and informative bird-watching walks that will begin April 5th and run through the summer and early fall till November 1.  This series of bird walks will take place every Saturday with the focus on learning about our winged friends and their environment.

These fun and educational outings will be led by a Birds and Beasley staff person.  Participants should meet in front of the store at 70 S. Park Ave at 7:30 am ready to enjoy two hours of local bird-watching.  Bring  sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and an extra layer of clothing just in case the weather changes rapidly while you are on the walk.

Locations will vary throughout the summer but will include such places as Spring Meadow, Fairgrounds Pond and Jane Beasley’s backyard.  Reservations are not required but they are appreciated. 

A wolf hunting season is based on the wolves being removed from the endangered species list. This should be announced with the next few days.  If the wolves are removed from the endangered species list the decision could be appealed an the matter could go to court.

However, the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission have set the date for the 2008 wolf hunting season, October 26-December 31.  Hunters are not allowed to use dogs, bait the animals or use artificial cents or lures.  Aerial spotting will also not be allowed nor spotlights or artificial lighting or night-vision equipment.

This is a momentous decision, never in the past has a state had a formal wolf hunting season.

Surrounding Montana’s Capital City, Helena this pristine National forest offers almost one million acres of secluded open space.  he Forest straddles the Continental Divide and offers many natural and cultural resources.  The diverse landscape offers beautiful settings and unlimited recreational opportunities.  The National Forest offers mountain ranges that are home to diverse flora and fauna as well a clear, sparkling rivers filled with many fish species.  Human history is also evident here, from ancient Indian cliff paintings to historic mining relics, this is a place where the past truly comes to life.

Green Meadow Country Club is an 18 hole golf course and a large practice facility. The most unique feature of this extraordinary course is the lack of residential real estate development around the course.  With its serene, untouched beauty with 10-Mile Creek running through the entire length of the course players enjoy the breathtaking setting and abundant wildlife.

Although Green Meadow Country Club is close to town it is far from ordinary and offers luck players a wonderful day of golf.

In 2006 major clubhouse renovations were instigated including work on a new fitness area and swimming pool. Construction is anticipated to be finished by February 2008.

Many golf activities are offered at Green Meadows Country Club such as men and women’s leagues, couples tournaments, junior golf programs, corporate and charity events, the Montana State Mid-Amateur as well as an excellent teaching staff to assist you in improving your golf game.