The Rocky Mountains began forming 170 million years ago, when a collision of the Earth’s crustal plates elevated the numerous mountain chains that we now get to play on top of. Ever-increasing stresses near the end of this great event shoved a huge rock wedge, several miles thick and several hundred miles wide, eastward more than 50 miles.

Large masses of relatively stronger rocks were shoved over softer and more easily deformed rocks. Erosion stripped away the upper part of the original rock wedge and exposed the rocks and structures visible in the park today. Rarely have rocks of such ancient age been thrust over rocks that are so much younger. The overlying Proterozoic rocks are over 1,500 million years older than the underlying Cretaceous age rocks.

The “Secret Season” of the Whitefish region is now beginning — and locals will tell you this is one of the most special times of year. Not only is it my favorite time of year to spend in quiet contemplation along the shores of big lakes, in the stands of tall trees, on top of rocky peaks, it is also my favorite time of year for photos, because of the dramatic range of colors. And it's just beginning!