Montana Meandering: Giant Springs State Park, a place for Airmen to experience the outdoors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  For Airmen stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, the winters can be rough. Sometimes Airmen are forced to cuddle up in a fleece blanket in their dorm rooms or homes, because they cannot bear the frigid temperatures Montana likes to toss at them. But as summer tip toes closer, the temperatures are beginning to rise. Airmen, along with their families, can finally rise out of their beds from their winter hibernation. For Airmen who appreciate the warmer weather and relish the outdoors, there is a place in Great Falls just for them.

Giant Springs State Park is conveniently located just over five miles north of the base. Giant Springs was discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 and is one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, according to www.stateparks.mt.gov.

"Giant Springs is so close it's almost like a backyard," said Airman 1st Class Alan Chongcarbo, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician. "It's nice to have somewhere to go to that is easily reached. With only the sounds of the dam in the distance and passing cars, the area is a quiet get-away from base."

The springs flow at a rate of 156 million gallons of water per day and the water stays at an average temperature of 54 degrees year-round. For those who may not know, the roughly 201-foot Roe River runs through Giant Springs and the Missouri River. The tiny river was once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's shortest river, according to Montana State Parks.

Giant Springs offers many activities including enjoying a family picnic along the Missouri River or visiting the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, where the general public can absorb some of the local history. Giant Springs also offers plenty of trails for hikers and mountain bikers.

"Airmen and their families who enjoy being outdoors can take a bike ride along the scenic river's edge or fish on the Missouri River," said Rachel Shumaker, Giant Springs State Park ranger.

Passing through the park is the River's Edge Trail. The trail offers more than 44 miles of trails for walkers, runners and cyclists.

For people wanting to see beautiful sights, visitors can view Rainbow and Crooked Falls. These waterfalls are downstream of Giant Springs on the Missouri. The waterfalls are two of five Great Falls of the Missouri River.

For those passionate about animals, the park has a variety of wildlife that can be observed.

As one strolls along the river or bikes down the trails, they have a chance of spotting something crawling around or flying above such as songbirds, owls, mule deer, red fox and numerous other small creatures. According to Montana State Parks, daylight and dusk are the best times for animal sightings.

In addition, visitors interested in educating themselves more about the local fish population can visit their fish hatchery. The hatchery raises approximately 1.3 million fish annually that are dispersed to lakes and reservoirs nearby.

"If you've never tried mountain biking or fishing, this is the place to try it," Chongcarbo said. "It's a good place to go even if you just want to go on a drive or eat a sandwich with a change of scenery. If you don't want to drive more than 30 minutes to get to other fishing spots or mountain biking trails, Giant Springs is a good place to go."

The park is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. For military members who are stationed at Malmstrom, the $5 one-day fee is waived. For further information regarding Giant Springs call 406-454-5840 or visit www.stateparks.mt.gov.