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Lewis and Clark spent more time - and traveled more miles in what is now Montana - than any other state. And it's in Montana that we find portions of the trail that are least changed. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Missouri Headwaters near the town of Three Forks.
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| Checking out the Map |
| © Jackson Hole Net |
Converging together to form the Missouri River are the Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson, each named by Lewis and Clark. But the rich cultural and adventurous history of the region began before Lewis and Clark and continues to this day. It was here that Minnetare raiders, in an event that left her parents and other tribal members dead, took the young Indian woman, Sacagawea, captive. In 1805, she accompanied the Corps of Discovery Expedition, with her infant son and husband, on their trans-continental trek, and returned to her homeland with Lewis and Clark. The Corp camped at the Three Forks for three days on their westward journey, explored and named the three rivers, and proceeded up the Jefferson fork to the Continental Divide (today's Lemhi Pass).
On their homeward journey, William Clark - with his contingent of the expedition - came down the Jefferson to the Headwaters, and at Sacagawea's suggestion, proceeded up the Gallatin and East Gallatin (through today's town of Bozeman Montana) on their way to the Yellowstone River.
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| A Marsh alongside the River |
| © Jackson Hole Net |
The Captains are well known for many of their accomplishments, not the least of which was paving the way for economic development and settlement. The information they gathered, led fur traders and trappers, several of whom were former members of the expedition, to return to the Missouri Headwaters to capitalize on the rich abundance of beaver. Subsequent years saw the death of two former members of the expedition, the establishment of Fort Three Forks, and the dramatic escape of John Colter from the Black feet wherein he, naked and weaponless, outran his captors in a footrace, killed one of his pursuers, and escaped to the relative safety of Fort Manuel Lisa, 280 miles away.
Today, you can stand where Meriweather Lewis stood, read his words, see the landscape he experienced, marvel at the similarity, and discover that there are places and words that do transcend time.
There are many ways to explore the trail of the explorers and mountain men. Near Three Forks, Montana, is Headwaters State Park, a "must see" for all Lewis and Clark explorers. It includes the confluence of the rivers, has picnic and campsites, a walking trail system, and interpretive signage. Back in town, the Headwaters Heritage Museum has information and artifacts associated with Lewis and Clark, the fur trade, Native Americans, railroad history, and historic development. (The museum is open to the public June 1-Sept 30).
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| Beaver at the Surface |
| © Jackson Hole Net |
But the ideal way to explore the trail of Lewis and Clark is by water. Local outfitters can guide individuals and groups down these rivers in a variety of water crafts, canoes and rafts. Wildlife abounds while people do not; beaver, mink, river otter, deer, herons, cranes, and eagles are common, along with an array of other species. Guides narrate the history of Lewis and Clark and the adventures of the explorers. Each bend of the river brings into view a new landscape and an invitation to new wildlife possibilities.
For those who possess a more adventurous spirit, and some river canoeing experience, the Canoe House rents canoes and provides shuttle services to explore any of these rivers.
The Three Forks Chamber of commerce can guide you to outfitters, service providers, accommodations, and the region in general. All four rivers are excellent for canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching and floating.
From the quiet western ranch community of Three Forks, you will soon be able to bicycle or hike to the Headwaters on a (currently under construction) trail. By auto you can also proceed west, following the scenic Jefferson River valley to Lemhi Pass, where the explorers first crossed the Continental Divide and gained a view of those "turrible mountains" to still be crossed. Travelers heading east can visit the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, or follow the Yellowstone River to Pompey's Pillar (recently designated a National Monument, located 15 miles east of Billings, Montana) to view William Clark's signature carved on this scenic sandstone bluff.
Content provided by Mr. Ken Sinay, Wildlife Biologist/Historian
www.yellowstonesafari.com
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