Where Eagles Fly : Great Bear Wilderness in the Rocky Mountains of Montana

Dusk falls on the Great Bear Wilderness as light fog mists the valleys above the Flathead River in this image I lensed while flying over the Bob Marshall wilderness in early fall. 

Located in the Flathead National Forest just south of Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, the Great Bear Wilderness and the Bob Marshall Wilderness, along with Scapegoat Wilderness are collectively known as the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. This is a combined 1.5 million acres (6,070 km²) of mostly untouched wilderness landscape.

There are very few lakes in the wilderness, but over 500 miles (800 k) of named streams and rivers course throughout this expansive network of mountains and valleys. It had rained earlier in the day which produces radiation fog by the land cooling off after sunset. In calm conditions with a clear sky, the thermal radiation on cool ground produces heat conduction which causes condensation in the air. Radiation fogs occur at night, and usually do not last long after sunrise burns them off.

These valleys are thick coniferous forests dominated by various species of spruce, pine and fir trees. As its name states, this is prime grizzly bear habitat with some of the densest populations of the species anywhere in the lower 48 states. Black bears are more common here however and a sizable number of cinnamon colored black bears live here they are often mistaken for grizzlies and are just as dangerous. Other mammal species found in the area include mule deer, elk, moose, lynx, wolverine, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep.

This image is from my project "Where Eagles Fly" and is also part of my current exhibition of fine art print reproductions being shown now at the new gallery Rock Stars of Art located in Corona Del Mar in Southern California.  If you are interested in collecting this image or any of my other fine art print works take a look at their website or even better drop by the gallery and view them on the wall. And if you want to see the full selection of available prints on display at the gallery then GO HERE. 

About The Project 

Where Eagles Fly - The American Wilderness Expedition is my personal mission to introduce people to these amazing locations that surround us. I am piloting a bush plane while exploring and filming throughout the remote back-country areas of North America to raise awareness of the 47% of the USA and 90% of Canada that remain unpopulated wilderness. 

About The Author 

My name is Zedekiah Morse and I'm a Bush Pilot, Photographer, Explorerand Filmmaker. I live in the Rocky Mountains and devote my time and resources to exploring as much of the world as I can by air. 

If you wish to watch a short film detailing how I do my work and this project, go here. 

Thank you for your support and Yehaw!!