Lewis and Clark National
Forest
In mid-June 1805, Lewis was elated to hear the unmistakable
roar of rushing water that could only be the Great Falls of the
Missouri River. Prepared to make a quick portage around the falls,
Lewis soon discovered four more waterfalls upriver, requiring an
18-mile portage on the south side of the river delaying their progress
upriver for 33 days. This portage was a grueling experience for
the men who were pummeled with wind and hailstorms, tortured with
prickly pear cactus, and harassed by grizzly bears.
Today
Much of the portage route is on private land. The banks of the
Missouri and the rock faces of the waterfalls remain essentially
unchanged, although hydroelectric development has been built upstream
of the cascades. While grizzly bears no longer inhabit the area,
prickly pear cactus still await unprotected feet, and wind and hailstorms
are not uncommon.
Location
The Great Falls is at Ryan Dam. On U.S. Highway 87, about 4-5 miles
north of Great Falls and the river, watch for signs to to Ryan Dam.
Travel east on this narrow, paved road for 6-7 miles to the sight
of the Great Falls. Just watch for the signs to Ryan Dam.
Facilities
A number of sites in and near Great Falls interpret and preserve
Lewis and Clark history. Begin your journey with a visit to The
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
on the northeast edge of Great Falls along the south side of the
Missouri River; just watch for the brown-and-white directional signs
as you approach the city. Federal fees apply here.
Nearby is Giant
Springs Heritage State Park, a landmark noted in the Lewis and
Clark journals. Take time to visit Ulm
Pishkun State Park, a prehistoric bison kill site, 13 miles
southwest of Great Falls off I-15 at the Ulm exit. Entry fees are
required at both sites for non-residents.
Use Requirements or Restrictions
Note on the Portage Route: For
information on the 1805 portage route across private or military
lands, contact the Lewis
and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation at (406) 454-1234. For information
on the portage route across Malmstrom Air Force Base contact the
Air Force Base Museum at (406) 731-2705.
Outfitters and Guides: A special
use permit is not specifically required to use the Lewis and Clark
National Historic Trail unless also visiting other National Forest
sites. See
Special Use Permit information. Please contact the Lewis and
Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center to reduce the
opportunity for congestion and to schedule special programs. |
