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Area Splendor, Resort Living
The Natural Bridge and Falls is one of the most scenic and photographed spots in the beautiful Boulder Valley. It is located about 25 miles south of Big Timber in a natural rock gorge. The river falls around 105 feet during high water into a large basin, where on sunny days a rainbow appears in the sparkling mist. During the low water season the river flows through a hole in the rock and sightseers could walk across the natural rock bridge. A few years ago, the natural "bridge" crumbled, but sightseers can still walk on the rocks during low water.
The East and West Boulder Rivers join the Main Boulder about 17 miles south of Big Timber after flowing through green and fertile valleys. On the upper East Boulder, John Anderson, a pioneer homesteader of the area, built a stone hotel, bathhouse and pool. The pool pulled in piping hot water from a natural mineral spring The spring was considered government property and Anderson therefore obtained a 99-year lease to operate the Anderson Lithia Springs Hotel. The Lithia Springs resort has had numerous renters and the land various owners, but has never returned to its hey-day. Very little remains today as a reminder of days past.
A prospective oil well drilled near the McLeod Store in 1916 produced not oil but hot water which was put to good use in establishing a swimming pool. Until the late 1970's, the current owners of McLeod operated the pool, grocery store and gas station. While McLeod underwent a succession of owners since the late 1800's, currently Vic and Judy Rue operate the cabins on the West Boulder River. Judy Rue is the current McLeod Postmaster.
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