Southwestern Montana Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

In 1793 the Scottish-Canadian explorer Alexander Mackenzie had reached the Pacific Ocean by land, having found an easy crossing of the Continental Divide. Back in Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Meriwether Lewis read his journal, and envisioned a similarly gentle divide between the headwaters of the Missouri and Columbia rivers. On August 12, 1805, Lewis climbed to the top of a ridge at Lemhi Pass, on today's Montana-Idaho border. He had hoped to see the Columbia River flowing down through open plains towards the Pacific, but instead beheld the snow-capped Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains. The most difficult and dangerous part of the journey was about to begin.

Historical Montana

In the remote and still very wild southwest portion of Montana, there are many historical remnants of life in the 19th century. The old Barker mines and Montana Central Railroad line Belt Creek in Sluice Boxes State Park along with historic cabins used by prospectors, while Bannack State Park features the best-preserved ghost town of its time. Fishing, floating, and wildlife viewing are popular recreational activities in the limestone canyon carved in Sluice Boxes State Park. In Bannack State Park, immerse yourself in that ‘Old West’ feeling and take a tour or rent a tipi!

White Water Rafting on the Salmon River

Aside from the notable lookout visited by William Clark in August of 1805, the Salmon River was also explored by Captain Clark during their journey westward. As foretold by the Shoshone chief Cameahwait the river was found to be too rugged to venture. Today, Aggipah River Trips features boating and rafting trips rich with natural and cultural history along the Lower Salmon River in Idaho. Rough grassy slopes rising 3,000 feet above the river dappled with trees and crowned with basalt rim rock switch off with magnanimous granite canyons as you venture the path not taken by the dynamic duo leading the Corps of Discovery. Aggipah River Trips’ boatmen are chosen for their wealth of local knowledge in order to deliver the best tour and guidance along the river.

A Road Trip Through American History

The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through what is now Clark’s Lookout State Park in 1805. On August 13th of that year Clark climbed high onto a bluff over the Beaverhead River to get his bearings, while Lewis was working to gain favor and cooperation from some 60 Shoshone warriors at a place that would become Camp Fortunate. A monument showing the three compass readings that Clark took is placed at the lookout, and one can glean a fabulous view of Beaverhead Valley.

A National Battlefield

Big Hole National Battlefield, just off the Lewis and Clark trail, is another important piece of history to the American West. The 7th Infantry, led by Colonel John Gibbon, had been given orders to return the Nez Perce natives to Idaho (they had fled their home lands after being forced onto a smaller reservation). You can watch a powerful award-winning film, visit with informative museum exhibits, or peruse the book shop at the visitor’s center. During the winter, access to the Big Hole National Battlefield is via cross country skiing or snowshoeing.

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