September panorama of downtown Two Dot Montana. Image is from the Two Dot Montana Picture Tour.

Welcome to the Two Dot Montana Picture Tour

Let’s turn off the Highway 12 and walk around Two Dot, Montana. The town is only 44 miles east of White Sulphur Springs but try to resist the temptation to rush on because you will miss some memorable views of the Crazy Mountains from town and from the nearby Selkirk Fishing Access on the Musselshell River. During the months of June, August & September, the Two Dot area is a great place to eat a sandwich, catch a rainbow trout or get inspired. 

TOWN History

George R. Wilson came to what was to become Montana in 1864 and had a successful career trailing cattle to the miners in Virginia City. To identify his cattle, he adopted a practice of heating up the king pin of one of his wagons and branding two dots placed horizontally on both hips. He used this mark throughout his life and at one time had over 8,000 horses branded with it. He was known as “Two Dot” Wilson and the town of Two Dot was founded in 1900 and named after him. Source: www.hallhall.com & the brochure “Our Two Dot.”

What’s a king pin? The wagon wheel undercarriage centered around a king pin, which allowed the front wheels to pivot, so the wagon could turn easily.

Three large fires destroyed practically all of the entire business district of Two Dot, Montana. In the winter of 1913-14 the east side of Main Street to the Doore’s restaurant was completely destroyed. On June 15, 1918 the west side of Main Street, with the exception of the hotel, was destroyed during the night. During the winter of 1920-21 another fire burned every building north of the old restaurant to the railroad bungalows. Source: Rootsweb”

September panorama of the Musselshell River at the Selkirk Fishing Access. Image is from the Two Dot Montana Picture Tour.

SELKIRK FISHING ACCESS

Selkirk is a state fishing access site on the Musselshell River west of Two Dot, Montana. Reliable fishing, free camping and shade from the Cottonwood trees make Selkirk an pleasant oasis on Highway 12. The narrow water and brush covered river bank takes stealth and skill to hook a trout. Be advised the trout populations on this river are not as strong as many of the other Montana rivers, because the Musselshell is known to dry up during the summer months in its middle section due to irrigation, leaving pools of water connected by small trickles.

If you prefer, you can watch the eagles float overhead while you listen to the soothing water. During the early morning or sunset you will be treated to a memorable view of the Crazy Mountains. The trifecta of wildlife, incredible views and night sky full of stars make the Selkirk Fishing Access a must stop.