Brandon Butte

The hike up Brandon Butte, in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge south of Malta, is a great way to get big views of the Missouri River and Fort Peck Lake. Those aren’t all you’ll see, though; this unique prairie ecosystem is home to mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and sage grouse. The climb to the top of the butte is gradual, and when you’re reached the summit, you can wander for miles and enjoy the spectacular landscape of river breaks and wild rolling prairie that make up Montana’s wild heart. Photo by Tim Faber