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Lewis and Clark Trail in Central Montana's Russell Country

This trail follows the route taken by the expedition as they explored westward along the Missouri River.

White Cliffs of the Missouri River

• Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway - Interpretive signs direct visitors traveling on U.S. 191 to the breathtaking landscapes, geology and wildlife of the “Wild and Scenic” Missouri River.
• Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and National Monument - Those who venture down this 149-mile segment of the expedition route will bear witness to the true natural beauty of Russell Country.
• Decision Point - At the confluence of the Marias and Missouri rivers, the Corps had to choose the correct route west. One mile off US 87 near Loma.
• Fort Benton - The State of Montana Lewis and Clark Memorial stands watch on the levee beside this historic stretch of river. Fort, museums and buildings line the path of a self-guided tour.
• Great Falls - One month after setting sight on the “sublimely grand specticle” of the great falls, Lewis and Clark finished their portage, bypassing a series of waterfalls on the Missouri. Today, scenic overlooks, “Giant Springs” and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center offer the same experience in a day.
• Camp Disappointment - 22 miles west of Cut Bank, you will reach the northernmost point of the Lewis and Clark journey.

Fort Benton—Keelboat Replica
• Two Medicine Fight Site - As Lewis traveled back to the Missouri, he and his party encountered eight Blackfeet warriors. On June 27, 1806, the warriors were caught in an attempt to steal horses and guns. A fight ensued and two Blackfeet Indians were killed. The Two Medicine site marks the spot where the only Indian casualties occurred during the Expedition.
• Tower Rock State Park- Eight miles south of Cascade at I-15 exit 247 sits this prominent rock that marked the beginning of unknown landscapes for the Lewis and Clark expedition.