Montana is a nature lover’s paradise, and our forests are second to none. All you have to do is walk through the Ross Creek Scenic Area to know how lucky we are in the tree department. But what most people don’t know is that Montana is home to the world’s largest larch tree — and it’s pretty awesome.

The Seeley Lake area is a popular vacation destination for Montanans, and it also happens to be home to a 250-acre grove of trees that average 600 years old.
Bitterroot / Flickr
Trees are known for growing quite large in the water-abundant Seeley-Swan valleys.
There are 10 species of larch found primarily in North America.
Karen Chung / Flickr
Larches won't tolerate dry soil, which explains why so many grow in the Seeley Lake area.
There are plenty of big trees in this 250-acre grove in Seeley Lake, but none are quite as enormous as Gus.
Rich's Montana Guest Ranch / Facebook
Gus appears to be the largest larch tree in the world, and in fact, has been documented as the largest western larch. Gus is 163 feet high, plus another 10-foot dead top, and has a 273-inch circumference. The tree is thought to be about 1,000 years old. As you can see, the tree towers over these guests of Rich's Montana Guest Ranch.

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Some have speculated that there are actually larger larch trees hiding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Troy Smith / Flickr
However, to this day, no one has been able to find one bigger than Gus.
To see Gus for yourself, just head to Girard Grove off Boy Scout Road.
Seeley Lake Life
Girard Grove is located along the Clearwater River, and it's one of the finest remaining stands of Western Larch in the country.
Seeley Lake is a gorgeous place to visit — Gus is just a bonus.
Micah Sheldon / Flickr
Still, if you're looking for an excuse to spend time here, this is it.

 

Planning a visit to Seeley Lake soon? Once you’re done visiting Gus, don’t forget to enjoy a meal here.

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