Northwestern Montana Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

On the eastward journey Lewis was determined to explore the Marias River, shown in the northwest corner in the article on northern Montana. While the remainder of the Corps of Discovery set out along the route they had taken westward, Lewis followed the Blackfoot River eastward along with nine of his men.

The Blackfoot River offers some really amazing vacation spots featuring historical relevance and plenty of recreational activities. You can go fly fishing, roam with American bison, play volleyball on the shore of Placid Lake, go for a hike in elk country, or just kick back and relax in some hot springs, all along this portion of the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Bison Country

The National Bison Range Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest Wildlife Refuges in the USA. It hosts nearly 500 bison as well as other wildlife including elk, white-tail and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and black bear. Photographers and wildlife observers will be blown away by the wide open views of all of these animals on the picturesque grasslands. On June 3, 1805, Captain Lewis noted that as he and Captain Clark approached the top of a hill, they were amazed by the sight of “unnumerable herds” of Buffalo accompanied by wolves, antelope, and elk. Visitors to the National Bison Range Wildlife Refuge often feel the same enchantment as the famous Lewis and Clark.

A Popular Campground Park

For the sports-minded vacationers, Placid Lake State Park is a very popular campground for water sports, fishing, RV camping, boating, swimming, and more. Logging was once a major practice in this land and there are interpretive panels scattered about to explain its role and history. This park is perfect for a family vacation and even features a horseshoe pit and volleyball court.

The Historic Lolo Hot Springs

Another gem known to the Native Americans long before Lewis and Clark discovered it is the Lolo Hot Springs. These hot springs were a great landmark and meeting-ground for explorers, trappers, and prospectors in the 19th century. Today, visitors to this beautiful vacation spot can bathe in the same waters and enjoy the natural warmth and revitalization of these hot springs. There are 500 miles of interconnecting loop trails for hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. These trails lead deep into the heart of the Rockies. Kick back and relax while dreaming of the times before times when such things were not just a luxury but a true mystery of nature and reality!

More Than Just a Museum

Are you mystified by the daunting, great creature known as the elk? Elk Country Visitor Center will show you everything you need to know about the elk and their land as well as how the Elk Foundation plays a role in conservation. Go for a hike and follow the trail across the 22-acre property to see white-tailed deer, turkeys, bald eagles, owls, trout, and more wildlife that find a home or rest area at the Elk Foundation. The visitor center also houses a collection of trophy elk mounts and a gift shop for clothing, merchandise, calendars, art, and more.

Picnic In a Historical Setting

The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped at what is now known as Travelers’ Rest State Park once while heading westward and once while heading back eastward. Generations of Native Americans used this campground as a crossroads before these great explorers learned of it. Travelers’ Rest, Montana, is an undisturbed stretch of meadows located two miles from the mouth of Lolo Creek on the right side (facing down stream), and is a key stopping-point along your road trip route.

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