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Goat Lick Glacier National Park

You may have better luck spotting the goats across the highway up on the slopes. The goats of Glacier travel up to four miles to reach the Goat Lick, and it’s pretty popular for humans as well. And some of our hiking trails, mountain highways and scenic overlooks offer views that seem to stretch on for miles. The first time was in May and we saw several goats.

Goat Lick Overlook, Glacier National Park: Address, Goat Lick Overlook Reviews: 4/5

Located along U. Highway 2, approximately two miles southeast of the Walton Ranger Station, is an exposed riverbank where mountain goats and other animals come to lick the mineral-laden cliffs. From the parking area, a short paved path leads to an observation stand overlooking the waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The river’s current has cut deeply into the easily eroded soil in this area, creating steep drop-offs and exposing a mass of gray clay containing minerals sought after by mountain goats and other animals.

There are several other natural mineral licks Glacier National Park To Great Falls Mt the park, but probably none that receive as much use by goats as this one.

The Goat Lick is Goat Lick Glacier National Park exposure of the Roosevelt Fault and is comprised of gypsum, kieserite, and sulfates. The shift to succulent green vegetation each spring alters the goats’ mineral balance and may cause them to seek the minerals found at the Goat Lick. Calcium, potassium, and magnesium plus lesser quantities of sodium and phosphorus found in the lick may help replace the elements goats typically lose from their bones during the winter.

During late June and July, dozens at a time may gather here. Mountain goats from Glacier National Park. A goat typically licks for a total of 24 hours, in hour durations, on its first seasonal visit to the site. Because individual goats compete for the best licking area, aggressive interactions are common on the lick. Watch for threatening horn swipes and rushes. The social ranking of goats serves to reduce direct conflict which, due to the sharpness of their horns, could result in serious injuries.

At the lick, adult males billies and females nannies with kids share a position of near equal dominance, followed by barren nannies, subadults, and yearlings. On the range, Goat Lick Glacier National Park, adult billies often appear to be subordinate to nannies with kids.

Nearby Places

There are outhouses at the parking area and plenty of spaces to park. The Goat Lick is an exposure of the Roosevelt Fault and is comprised of gypsum, kieserite, and sulfates. The first time was in May and we saw several goats.

Big Bone Lick National Park

The paved Big Bone Creek Trail wanders through the original swampland, now growing wild with brush and flowers, and the last remaining salt-sulphur spring. The Discovery Trail winds through several habitats, including grassland , wetland and savanna , and is accessible to the physically challenged. Nearly 40 acres of picnic grounds with tables, grills, and a playground are ideal for family outings. Bones were awesome and great trails.

Big Bone Lick State Park

There is also a path that goes around the bison pen but since it had rained last night was still a little wet I passed on it today.

The staff was very Big Bone Lick National Park and helpful. Perhaps next time. Very cool museum and very friendly staff. Definitely will be back in the future.

We had a great weekend, hiking, seeing the bison and just relaxing. This was a fun park to stop and hike around at. Seeing the bison was cool. We were here several years ago and some of outside areas of interest need to be updated not much to see. But learning about the dinosaur burial and displays inside are nice. Gift shop is also very nice.

Bones were awesome and great trails. Live buffalo, very cute babies.

Big Bone Lick

While he assumed the bones were from ancient elephants, the local native traditions claimed the bones to be those of white buffaloes that had been poisoned by the salty water. Facilities A gift shop adjoins the museum area and features Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs of all types. Mammoths are believed to have been drawn to this location by a salt lick deposited around the sulfur springs.