Pinnacle / Essex Montana
Essex is a small community near the southwest corner of Glacier National Park, between the communities of West Glacier and East Glacier Park on US Highway 2, the only highway serving the community. Small though Essex is, however, it does offer some big attractions. more info
One, within a few miles, is the Walton Goat Lick Overlook. A sign directs you to a road ending in an ample parking lot where a paved, short and gentle trail leads to a view spot overlooking the deep canyon of Sheep Creek. Exposed rocks along the creek seep salts and minerals attractive to the local mountain goats. The best months of the year to see the goats are in June and July when as many as 75 at any one time may appear.
Another big attraction is the Izaak Walton Inn. The Izaak Walton Inn was named after Sir Izaak Walton, a 16th century English author and sportsman. Sir Izaak wrote the book THE COMPLEAT ANGLER. James Willard Schultz, who lived in the area in the early 1900s most likely named the hotel after him.
The hotel was built in 1939 for the Great Northern Railroad. The purpose of the hotel was to house railroad workers. It was also to serve as a possible hotel when the southern entrance to Glacier National Park opened. Due to the depression, however, the third entrance never materialized.
The Izaak Walton is a must-see for rail fans and those interested in the history of the Great Northern Railway's Empire Builder. The inn, which is on the National List of Historic Places, is a well known stop for lunch and a delightful destination for lodging both summer and winter.
A million acres of wilderness with jagged peaks, wildlife and glaciers await travelers to the Izaak Walton Inn. From this convenient, yet remote, you can explore Glacier National Park and all its natural wonders.
Pinnacle Mountain, in Sweet Grass county, is also a point of interest, given its 10,655 feet peak.
Pinnacle / Essex, MT Weather
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