Just outside the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park and through Cooke City Montana you pick up State Highway 296. This is known as the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway that winds its way through 47 miles of spectacular views and ends in Cody Wyoming. Besides being known for its geological features and abundant wildlife it also has a unique history. The highway was named for the Native American Chief of the Nez Perce tribe. After a battle in Idaho in 1877 Chief Joseph and 1,000 of his tribe fled through Yellowstone trying to escape the US Calvary and make their way to Canada. They were stopped about thirty miles from the Canadian Border at the Battle of the Bear Paw in northwestern Montana.

If you are a “back roads” person like I am, you do not want to miss this wonderful highway—you need to go the entire 47 miles. There are places along the way to stop and take in the views---there is so much to see so on the return trip be sure and look for the areas you missed!

Kay

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