Winter Around Billings Offers Exciting Adventures

Often when winter sets in it is tempting just to stay inside under a blanket and watch some television.  After all it is cold outside, the sun sets early, and as much fun as it is to play in the snow, it really is not much fun to drive in it.  But after a few days of sitting inside, I start to get a little stir crazy.  Cabin fever sets in and I need to get out and get moving.  Luckily there are plenty of opportunities near Billings to have some fun.

Sledding

Pioneer Park is the easiest and best place to go sledding in Billings.  Every time it snows, hundreds of people will gather on the hills for their trip down.  The park is great with its range of low incline for those with smaller children, to steep with a creek at the bottom for those looking for a thrill.  Nearly all of the parks around Billings offer some slope, so if crowds are going to be a bother, the other parks will offer more seclusion.  People who are looking for a real thrill though should look south.  The South Hills contain some of the steepest terrain around, and will propel sledders to dizzying speeds.  If you go, make sure you are on public land, and well prepared in case of emergency.

Fishing

If sledding is too much action, or you need a change of pace, there are still great fishing spots near Billings.  The Yellowstone River stays mostly free of ice, especially if you head east of Billings.  Near Huntley the rivers slows down enough that a person can catch Ling (Burbot) during the night and Trout during the day.  Check out The Minnow Bucket in Huntley for live bait.

For the fly fisherman a little more of a drive is involved.  About an hour and half east of Billings is the world famous Bighorn River.  During the summer the river is packed with tourists from all over looking to catch some of the immense Brown Trout in the river.  But the traffic comes to all but a stop in the winter.  The water coming out of Yellowtail Reservoir stays warm enough to keep the river open, even in sub zero temperatures.  If you can handle the cold air, the Bighorn will reward your effort.

Another change of fishing pace can be found at Deadman’s Basin Reservoir, an hour and half north of Billings.  This 2000+ acre reservoir contains Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow and Brown Trout, as well as many other species.  In mid-December the Salmon are moving and can be snagged through the ice.  Later in the winter minnows and night crawlers work well for these fish.

Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing and Ice Climbing

Heading toward Red Lodge, a mere hour south of Billings, a person is opened up to a vast variety of day trip activities.  A little ways out of town toward the Beartooth Pass is the Lake Fork Trailhead.  Here a person can strap on their snowshoes or skis and head along the upper reaches of the Lake Fork Creek.  There are miles of trails that can be skied or hiked.  If one is out looking for more of an adventure, Silver Falls is located about 3 miles in.  It freezes up around the beginning of December and stays frozen through March in most years.  Although a shorter ice climb, it is easy to access and situated in a gorgeous valley.  Just remember, if you do not have proper equipment and training, stay away from even the base of the falls.  The ice is slippery and many people have been injured, or worse, just walking near the bottom of frozen waterfalls.

There are so many things to do in or around Billings in the winter; this list only scratches the surface.  With a little planning and some imagination, the outdoor activities are nearly endless.  Take just one from the list and make plans to get out there and have some fun.  If you are not the one who wants to risk life and limb for some excitement, getting out there and taking pictures of our city is always a great way to pass the time.

What do you love to do in Billings in the winter?  Leave a comment and share your favorite cold weather outdoor spot.

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