The Hills are actually three separate mountain ranges. West and Middle Buttes are located in northern Toole County and East Butte is in northern Liberty County. Seen from U.S. Highway 2 along the Hi-line from East Glacier to Havre, Montana, you can reach the Hills by traveling on north bound roads out of Chester and Shelby, Montana and on east bound roads along Interstate 15 north of Shelby. All roads into the Hills are gravel or dirt. There are no services and most of the land is privately owned. There is a Liberty County 4-H picnic and campground located on the Whitlash Road (#409) approximately 28 miles north of Highway 2. Take the Whitlash Port of Entry route three miles west of Chester. There are no electrical hookup or water pumps at this campground site. Please pack in and pack out your garbage.
Due to the altitude and the Hills ability to "cloud catch," the weather frequently changes, road conditions are a serious consideration. If you plan to drive into the area be prepared for variable weather patterns, pack extra warm clothing (year round), have good spare tires, and fill up with gas (petro) before you leave the pavement. Because of the Canadian border, all roads lead back to Highway 2, eventually.
Across the border in Alberta, Canada is Writing on Stone Provential Park which can be accessed from the Sweetgrass/Couts or Whitlash/Aden port of entries. Watch for Brown Park signs. The Park is open from May to September. The campground has a shower house, various camping sites, a variety of walking tours, and swimming areas along the Milk River are available. This is a very popular park, so be prepared by coming early to locate a campsite, especially during holiday weekends. Oh, and remember to take some Canadian Loonies (silver dollars) to operate the showers at camp!!
Final word of caution! If you are coming to visit the town of Gold Butte you will only find the location. There are no longer any buildings at this site and the road is difficult for the average car.
*Please note that most of the land surrounding the Sweet Grass Hills is privately owned, join us during scheduled events..and if you are traveling take the road conditions and weather into serious consideration Thank you...Ruth