Enjoying the Great Outdoors...
...Along the Lewis and Clark Trail
The Portage Route Chapter frequently sponsors hikes to historic Lewis and Clark locations in the Great Falls area. Here are some of the most popular ones

Camp Disappointment
Camp Disappointment--in the clump of trees left of the river in center of photo--was the northern-most camp of the Expedition. Lewis was "disappointed" here because he could see from here the Marias River system (Cut Bank Creek is a tributary to the Marias) did not go any farther north into the beaver rich waters of what is now Canada.
This camp is several miles north of the Fight Site on the Two Medicine and on private property---permission required.
Camp Disappointment--in the clump of trees left of the river in center of photo--was the northern-most camp of the Expedition. Lewis was "disappointed" here because he could see from here the Marias River system (Cut Bank Creek is a tributary to the Marias) did not go any farther north into the beaver rich waters of what is now Canada.
This camp is several miles north of the Fight Site on the Two Medicine and on private property---permission required.

Fort Mountain
Lewis named it Fort Mountain but today we call it Square Butte. None of the Expedition actually climbed this butte. They only talked about it and used it as a geographic reference. Today we enjoy its grand sweeping vistas of the prairies around it.
Lewis named it Fort Mountain but today we call it Square Butte. None of the Expedition actually climbed this butte. They only talked about it and used it as a geographic reference. Today we enjoy its grand sweeping vistas of the prairies around it.

Tower Rock
Lewis climbed this rock "nearly to the top" and "with considerable difficulty." Today this state park is a favorite of visitors to get the view of the prairies Lewis remarked about.
Lewis climbed this rock "nearly to the top" and "with considerable difficulty." Today this state park is a favorite of visitors to get the view of the prairies Lewis remarked about.

Lewis and Clark Pass
From the pass you can see the north end of Fort Mountain. When Lewis saw that butte in 1806 he knew he was back on the prairies nearing the Great Falls of the Missouri and the land of plenty to eat.
From the pass you can see the north end of Fort Mountain. When Lewis saw that butte in 1806 he knew he was back on the prairies nearing the Great Falls of the Missouri and the land of plenty to eat.

Two Medicine
Lewis' encounter with several Blackfeet at the Two Medicine River has become one of the best known adventure stories of the entire. Expedition. A close examination of the prairie, hills and river make for a full day of enjoyment.
Lewis' encounter with several Blackfeet at the Two Medicine River has become one of the best known adventure stories of the entire. Expedition. A close examination of the prairie, hills and river make for a full day of enjoyment.