Pictograph Cave State Park

Pretty cool place just to hike around with kids and very pictures. We couldn’t see a lot of the cave drawings but we could see some which was pretty incredible really. If you are looking to kill and hour maybe two this is a great little adventure with kids.

Montana should be proud of their state parks! First — state residents don’t have to pay to come in — they pay through licensing — which CA so stupidly did not pass! Second — their signs tell it like it is: «Will not be tolerated» no wussy-​ness here!
As explained by the very helpful and knowledgeable ranger, more of the pictographs are seen when it is more humid. The paint used reacts to this, and if you come on a dry day, you will see less. However, there is plenty of signage that is current and well maintained! They actually help you see and understand the pictographs and the whole park experience.
Not only are there sites to stop at, and one has «ghosts», there is a wonderful tipi and picnic area too. The visitor center has great information and exhibits too. This is one park you should definitely check out!

Though few pictographs remain, the caves, cliffs, artifacts and history are fascinating. The Rangers were super nice to the kids and the dogs were allowed on-​leash on trails which was a nice departure from other parks we have visited. Glad we stopped.

I remember seeing these caves 40 years ago when I was growing up in Billings. But like so many of the West High School graduates, I moved away and only come back to Billings to see my folks.
This is the site of the first archeological dig in Seattle, which began as an WPA project. Over 30,000 artifacts have been found in this state park. A short paved trail allows you to view the rock paintings, known as pictographs, that are still visible in Pictograph Cave, the largest of the three.
Unfortunately, the paintings themselves are unimpressive, due to vandalism that occurred in the 50s and 60s, deterioration from erosion and moisture, etc. However, there are signs that help you see beyond the physical appearance to what was once there. The visitor center also has lots of information. There’s even a web site (
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I still recommend a visit…