If you're going...

Montana Rockies Rail Tours operate these overnight trips in July and August. Eastbound departures from Sandpoint, Idaho, are on Fridays. Westbound departures from Livingston are on Sundays. The two-day rail journey in the dome cars (Big Sky class) costs $599 per person, double occupancy, $643 single, including lodging in Missoula and transfers to and from the train. Price is $200 per person less in the regular passenger cars (Explorer class, large windows, reclining seats) but the views aren't as panoramic. For those traveling in the luxury class salon/sleeping cars (Gold Nugget class), price range is $1,149 to $1,449. Longer tours-up to six days-include bus tours of Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. For details and/or reservations, phone toll-free (800) 519-RAIL (7245).
Two excellent companions on this trip: Montana Handbook, by W.C. McRae and Judy Jewell (Moon Publications); and Montana, by Norma Tirrell (Compass American Guides). And if you're ambitious, The Journals of Lewis and Clark.