To place the Chinese Wall in the southwest Montana tourism region might seem a bit odd as it is located in the northwest quadrant of the state. However, it is in Lewis & Clark County, part of Montana’s southwest tourism designation. And the county extends well beyond the bounds of a geographic region, transcending two of them.
Specifically, the Wall lies in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, one of three contiguous protected regions of the Bob Marshall Complex. The other two are the Great Bear and Scapegoat wilderness areas.
The Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Rick and Susie Graetz
A 13-mile-long piece of unique geography carrying the Continental Divide along its crest best describes this iconic landmark. From Larch Hill Pass in the north to White River Pass on south, the Chinese Wall it is an unbroken natural masterpiece.
Its east face is an escarpment rising upwards of 1,000 feet from meadows at its base. In geologic terms this is textbook overthrust geology — older rocks pushed up and over younger rocks. This massif of limestone was pushed eastward and upwards tilting as it rose, leaving its west side sloping somewhat “gently” downward. It is easily seen and recognized from any high point to the east.
Rocks of the uplift are amongst the oldest on the planet — Precambrian and contain marine life fossils dating back millions of years ago. Once they were sediments in an inland sea and as the sea disappeared, deposits of millions upon millions of shells, sand and silt hardened to limestone.
To many, a trek to the Chinese Wall is a life-long wish. Whether by horse or on foot, getting to this place deep in the heart of true wilderness is a rewarding experience. The many passages that lead to it provide a journey through some of the finest wild country in America: "...the cathedral hush of the Bob.”
The Chinese Wall is seen from the air.
Larry Mayer, provided by Rick Graetz
Many communities serve as a starting point to access the east face of the formation but Augusta, Lincoln and Ovando are recommended. Check on the internet for trails to the Chinese Wall.
Editor's note: The University of Montana's Office of Research & Creative Scholarship along with the Davidson Honors College have produced a series of stories called the "This Is Montana Community Vitality Program." In partnership with the program, Lee Newspapers will be regularly running their Treasure State treasure trove of stories.
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