If you’ve ever been to the Yaak Valley in the northwest corner of Montana, you’ve seen with your own eyes how otherworldly it is. In fact, if you go deep enough into the Treasure State’s only rainforest, you’ll realize just how much it resembles Middle Earth from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

But the truth is, the Yaak is more beautiful than anything even the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien could dream up.

The drive to the Yaak Valley is rugged and remote, just the way Montanans like it.
D.Taylor in Idaho / Flickr
You'll drive along the Yaak River until you reach the valley.
Jim W / TripAdvisor
The further in you get, the greener things get...
Jim Handcock / Flickr

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... and eventually, you're surrounded by lush green forest.
Yaak Valley Forest Council Facebook
There's really no place like this in the world.
Troy Smith / Flickr
The Yaak River flows through the mountains until it meets the Kootenai River.
See what we mean?
Troy Smith / Flickr
The Yaak is a place to be celebrated and enjoyed, but also protected and preserved.
Troy Smith / Flickr
If you visit, tread carefully... this Middle Earth is an important ecosystem.

The Yaak Valley is definitely a must-see for Montanans. Consider adding it to your Ultimate Montana Bucket List.

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