Lewis & Clark National Forest
Overview
The Lewis and Clark National Forest lies in central and north central Montana within the upper Missouri River system. Over 380,000 acres within the District comprises the Bob Marshall-Great Bear-Scapegoat Wilderness Complex. Another 300,000 acres are managed primarily for recreation, wildlife and scenic values. The Lewis and Clark Forest is home for large game animals, small animals and protected species. Forest visitors can hunt elk, mule and white tail deer, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion, and blue grouse. Protected wildlife living on or near the Forest include lynx, bald eagles, grizzly bears, peregrine falcon and gray wolf. The Forest contains many popular viewing sites for migrating waterfowl. The Forest has 1,600 miles of perennial streams and a few small natural and man-made lakes where forest visitors may fish for trout and mountain whitefish. Included are 14 boat camps and 20 miles of frontage on the Smith River, a nationally acclaimed blue ribbon trout stream. Additionally, over 60 streams are known to support westslope cutthroat trout, an imperiled native fish of the upper Missouri River basin. The Forest contains many scenic drives including the Kings Hill National Scenic Byway - U.S. Highway 89 through the Little Belt Mountains, which is a major route between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. The Lewis and Clark National Forest contains 29 developed recreation sites. Many of these sites are handicap accessible. There are five cabins on the Forest that may be rented by the public on a first come, first served basis. The Forest also has two special-use ski areas within its boundaries.
Activities
Boating
Please contact the park for information about boating.
Bicycling
Lewis & Clark forest trails vary from very east to difficult and go from 4,500 to 9,362 feet elevation. Mountain bikers of all levels will delight in exploring the forest. Please respect posted signs and restrictions.
Auto/Motorcycle
The Forest contains many scenic drives including the Kings Hill National Scenic Byway - U.S. Highway 89 through the Little Belt Mountains, which is a major route between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.
Camping
The Lewis and Clark National Forest contains 29 developed recreation sites. Many of these sites are handicap accessible. There are five cabins on the Forest that may be rented by the public on a first come, first served basis.
Fishing
The Forest has 1,600 miles of perennial streams and a few small natural and man-made lakes where forest visitors may fish for trout and mountain whitefish. Included are 14 boat camps and 20 miles of frontage on the Smith River, a nationally acclaimed blue ribbon trout stream. Additionally, over 60 streams are known to support westslope cutthroat trout, an imperiled native fish of the upper Missouri River basin.
Hiking
Lewis & Clark forest trails vary from very east to difficult and go from 4,500 to 9,362 feet elevation. Hikers and backpackers of all levels will delight in exploring the forest.
Historic Sites
L&C National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is located near the great falls of the Missouri River. From President Thomas Jefferson's vision of an expanding United States, to the daily experiences of the expeditionary corps and native peoples of the "uncharted west", the incredible story of the 19th century adventure comes alive. Try your hand at wilderness skills. Learn about native plants and animals.
Horseback Riding
Lewis & Clark forest trails vary from very east to difficult and go from 4,500 to 9,362 feet elevation. Horseback riders of all levels will delight in exploring the forest. Please respect posted signs and restrictions.
Hunting
Forest visitors can hunt elk, mule and white tail deer, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion, and blue grouse.
Picnicking
Campground have picnic facilities for day-users.
RVing
The Lewis and Clark National Forest contains 29 developed recreation sites. Many of these sites are handicap accessible and have RV amenities.
Winter Sports
Come to enjoy winter recreational activities on the Lewis and Clark National Forest. More and more people are enjoying winter sports. Whether you're downhill or Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling, the National Forests provide a wealth of winter recreation opportunities.
Directions
Driving
From Great Falls, State highway 200 will lead you to the south end of the forest. US highways 89 and 287 skirt the east side of the forest and provide access points into the forest.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(406) 791-7700Links
Official URL
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/- Login or register to post comments
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