Northern Montana Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

While traveling westward near present-day Loma, Montana, the Lewis and Clark Expedition reached a fork in the river, and needed to decide which fork was the Missouri River. President Thomas Jefferson's specific orders were to follow the Missouri River to its source at the Continental Divide, and from there to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. The turbulent current and muddy color of the right fork was characteristic of the Missouri, while the waters of the left fork were clear and tranquil. Lewis reasoned that the left fork characterized waters coming directly from the mountains, and after scouting the right fork found that it turned due north. The Captains decided to follow the left fork, and were proven correct when the Corps of Discovery reached the Great Falls of the Missouri a week and a half later. The right fork is now called the Marias River, so named by Captain Meriwether Lewis.

An Old Trading Post

If interested to learn more about the region one might stop by the Fort Union Trading Post. The Fort Union Trading Post was the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri River in the 1800’s. Native American tribes would trade buffalo robes and a variety of other furs for goods like beads, blankets, guns, cloth, and cookware. At the Annual Rendezvous, traders and campers dressed to the period fill Fort Union with their furs and handcrafted items available. Enjoy the selection of speakers and the demonstrations about blacksmithing, canoeing, sign language, finger weaving, pottery making, and much more. Hiking can be enjoyed north of the fort across the rail road on the Bodmer Overlook trail (where Karl Bodmer painted The Assiniboine at Fort Union in the 1830’s).

Lake Fishing

Anglers and water sports enthusiasts need to visit Fort Peck Lake Reservoir and Recreation Area to get their fill. This prime vacation spot boasts accommodations for boating, canoeing, hiking, fishing, picnicking, RV camping, and swimming. With more than 1,520 miles of shoreline (more than the California coast!) and 50 different kinds of fish including walleye, northern pike, paddlefish, sauger, lake trout, small mouth bass and chinnook salmon can be found in the Fort Peck Reservoir, anglers can be sure to find the perfect place for immersion in the natural world. Whether you want to spend your road trip rugged and primitive or in the luxuries of Kiwanis Park, this is the place to be. “Touch the trail of Lewis and Clark” with your own hands.

River Tours and a Ghost Town

Can’t get enough of the river? Try tagging along with the Missouri River Canoe Company through the majestic White Cliffs. Headquartered in Virgelle, Montana, right near the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, with guided trips lasting one to seven days, the Missouri River Canoe Company provides equipment, historic lodgings, and home-cooked meals. Canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, river tours, and good old R’n’R is at its best here in Virgelle.

Broad Prairies and Mountain Peaks

Bringing it back to the beautiful countryside, Lewis and Clark National Forest stretches from prairie-lands to the soaring mountain ridges and peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Drive along the scenic Kings Hill National Scenic Byway through the Little Belt Mountains on your between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. This national forest contains 29 recreation sites, many of which are handicap accessible, and plenty of winter recreation opportunities. Downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are just some of the winter fun you can have here. Explore the Missouri Breaks geology and ecosystems at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and follow its trail system by hike or bike within the 29-acre site (wheelchair accessible). The Lewis and Clark National Forest is filled with beautiful grasslands and meadows encompassed by Douglas Firs and Lodgepole Pines. Take advantage of nature’s glory; it is wide open for your enjoyment.

For owners of an RV, Camper, Motorhome, Trailer or Fifth Wheel