Afraid Of Heights? Freak Wilderness Accidents In Montana

If You're Afraid of Heights, This Might Not Be the Story for You

Montana’s landscapes are some of the most beautiful in the country—big mountains, deep lakes, winding trails—but let’s be honest, sometimes they can also be a little terrifying. Especially if you’re not a fan of heights.

We’ve all been on those hikes or drives where the ground drops off just a few feet from where you’re standing (or driving), and your legs start to feel wobbly. I swear, there are times when I can physically feel gravity trying to pull me off the side of the mountain. Those skinny guardrails on mountain roads? They don’t offer much peace of mind either.

Recently, two separate cliff-related accidents in Montana made headlines—one near Whitefish and the other in Flathead County—and both serve as a reminder of just how careful we have to be when exploring our wild backyard.

Woman Falls Off Cliff Near Whitefish

On the night of June 6, Two Bear Air Rescue was dispatched to the Finger Lake area near northwest Whitefish after a report came in about a woman who had fallen off a cliff. The terrain was so steep there was no safe place to land, so the rescue team had to be lowered in by helicopter. She was hoisted to safety with multiple injuries but is expected to recover.

Driver Goes Over 400-Foot Cliff

Just a couple weeks later, on June 26, the Bigfork Fire Department responded to a call on Jewel Basin Road near the Camp Misery Trailhead. A vehicle had gone over a 400-foot cliff, and when rescuers arrived, they could hear two people calling for help from the bottom. Amazingly, both individuals survived with minor injuries. They were safely hoisted back up using harnesses.

Montana is full of adventure—but even the most experienced hikers and drivers can have a close call. Always be aware of your surroundings, and don’t underestimate the landscape.

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Have you ever had a sketchy hiking or driving moment in Montana? Share your story—we’d love to hear it!