The Bears Paw Mountains extend in a 45-mile arc between the Missouri River and Rocky Boy Indian Reservation south of Havre.

The core of the Bearpaws are composed of extensive Eocene aged igneous intrusions left over from one of the largest eruptive centers in the Central Montana Alkaline Province.

[7] Native oral history ties the name to a lone hunter in search of deer to feed his clan.

The Great Spirit filled the heavens with lightning and thunder, striking the bear dead and severing its paw to release the hunter.

Looking at Box Elder Butte, one can see the paw, and Centennial Mountain to the south resembles a reclining bear.