Recreation

The biggest thing to hit Anaconda [1] since the smelter is the Jack Nicklaus–designed Old Works Golf Course (406/563-5989, www.oldworks.org [2]). Built by ARCO on a huge Superfund site, the course incorporates many historic features of the erstwhile Old Works Smelting Site, including black slag left over from mining, resulting in a strikingly attractive black and green course. This is a long tough course—seven miles from start to finish, with some exceptional holes. Greens fees are reasonable for such a high-caliber course; summer weekday rates run $33 for nine holes, $43 for 18.

Another former Superfund site, Warm Springs Ponds is an almost shockingly good place to go bird-watching or fishing (catch-and-release only). These ponds and wetlands, created from ponds built to catch mining wastes drifting downstream from Butte [3], are laced with 15 miles of hiking or biking trails and include nesting areas for ospreys and many songbirds. Some of the state’s largest trout have been pulled from these ponds. To reach the ponds, take Exit 201 (Warm Springs) from I-90 and head east.

Georgetown Lake [4], 15 miles west of Anaconda on Highway 1, provides fabled fishing and water sports access, with plenty of campgrounds [5]. Closer to Anaconda and less crowded with locals are a couple of wildlife-viewing areas.

Mt. Haggin Wildlife Management Area offers stunning views onto local mountains and also the chance to see bashful moose and elk. Mt. Haggin is popular with cross-country skiers in winter and mountain bikers in summer. To reach Mt. Haggin, follow Highway 274 south from Anaconda 14 miles; watch for the sign for Mule Ranch Vista. With 54,137 acres under protection, Mt. Haggin is the state’s largest wildlife management area.