Helena National Forest

Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Home

Missouri River Near Beaver Creek

As Meriwether Lewis traveled through the broad Missouri River Valley he was delighted with the abundance of currants he found growing along the river. Of the golden currant Lewis commented “this currant is really a charming fruit and I am confident would be prefered at our markets to any currant now cultivated in the U’ States” (Meriwether Lewis July 20, 1805).

Captain Clark who traveled by land in this area rather than on the river found the broad Missouri Valley tough on a traveler’s feet stating “my feet is verry much brused & cut walking over the flint, & constantly Stuck full [of ] Prickley pear thorns, I puled out 17 by the light of the fire…” (William Clark, Friday, July 19, 1805).

To reach the confluence of Beaver Creek and the Missouri River travel east on Highway 280 from Helena. At the small town of York head north along a dirt road and follow the signs to the Beaver Creek Fishing Access and Trailhead. A moderate 1.5-mile trail follows the Missouri River. Return along the same trail.

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 17 May 2007 at 12:28:59 EDT