Helena National Forest

Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Home

Crimson Bluffs/York's Islands

Just west of Townsend, Montana along the Missouri River lie the Crimson Bluffs that Meriwether Lewis described as “a remarkable bluff of crimson coloured earth on Starboard intermixed with Stratas of black and brick red slate” (July 24, 1805). Once slated for development, the Crimson Bluffs Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation worked to preserve this landmark. Clark never saw the Crimson Bluffs as he continued to follow the Old North Trail that passed by them.

As the main party traveled further south along the Missouri, Lewis wrote, "the river in many places among the clusters of islands is constantly changing the direction of such sluices as the beaver are capable of stoping or of 20 uds in width. this anamal in that way I beleive to be very instrumental in adding to the number of islands with which we find the river crowded." Though he continued his journey along the west bank of the river and not through the islands, William Clark designated on his map of July 24, 1805, “Yorks 8 Islands.” Access to this Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks site for camping, fishing and picnicking lies about 3.6 miles south of Townsend off US Highway 287.

See these areas and others through a self-guided auto tour along the Corps of Discovery's trail. Visit the Townsend District Ranger Station of the Helena National Forest and pick up the brochure produced by the Crimson Bluffs Chapter. The tour is 42.6 miles round-trip, beginning and ending at the U.S.D.A. building.

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 17 May 2007 at 12:28:49 EDT