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Jun 28, 2018

Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana | Taylor's Auto MaxLewis and Clark National Forest is a stunning park in the north and central area of Montana. It sits along the upper Missouri River and the nationally acclaimed trout stream, Smith River. It’s tucked into the mountains with an elevation that ranges from 4,500 feet to 9,362 feet above sea level.

With its location in the mountains, surrounded by forest, and along the river, you can imagine that there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy on your next trip to Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Hiking

Lewis and Clark National Forest is packed with trails that take you along tree-lined trails, across bridges, and into open prairie. One of the great things about hiking in Lewis and Clark National Forest is that you can actually follow in the footsteps of the famous adventurers themselves.

The landscape is vast and many of the trails take you up in elevation, so be sure to pack plenty of supplies. It’s also good to check in with the nearest park station to let them know your plans for the day. The area is home to tons of wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, and elk, so take precautions and stay on the trails.

Fishing

There is so much fishing to do at Lewis and Clark National Forest. Depending on what type of fish you want to catch, you can either head over to Smith River or you can get knee deep in some of the calmer areas of the Missouri River.

If you want to catch freshwater trout, there’s no better place in Montana than the Smith River inside the National Forest. There are 14 boat camps along the river where fishermen can set up for the weekend and store any fish they catch. There are even places where you can cook them after a day on the water. Be sure to book these camps in advance, especially during peak summer season.

Bird Watching

Lewis and Clark National Forest is home to quite a few types of migrating river birds. Throughout the year you can find different types of waterfowl like wood ducks, sandhill cranes, and trumpeter swans. The park is also home to peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Always ask at the nearest ranger station for recent sightings and to find out the best location for bird watching in a given season.

Rafting

For those seeking even more heart-pounding adventure, get yourselves on the roiling whitewater of the Missouri River. At different locations throughout the park, you can enter the river with a tour group and experienced whitewater rafting guide and test your steering skills. Depending on your skill level and what the water is like, tours go out daily from late spring to early fall. Always check reviews on any tours you book with to make certain that you are rafting with a safe and reputable company.

Whether you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day out in nature or you want to get your blood pumping on something more adventurous, there is plenty to keep all levels of outdoor enthusiasts busy at Lewis and Clark National Forest.

 

Image by Forest Service Northern Region, Licensed via CC BY 2.0