It took us a couple of days to get to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, a place recommended by my old friend from work, Mike. He said I'd be impressed and he nailed it.
After leaving the Hergert's we stayed overnight at the Anaconda Rest Stop. No highway noise and a great spot on the end where we could open our slides and get comfortable.
It was only an hour more to the St. Pk. but none of the 9 electrical spots was available even that early in the morning - bummer. So we found a spot close to that area and waited to see if anyone would leave - none did.
We had soup for lunch and then drove 3 miles up the hill to the Visitor Center where the Caverns were.We arrived in time to join 18 other for a tour that was just leaving. Lasted 2 hours. Lots of walking, stairs, and ducking under rocks. Great tour. Great guide.
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| In we go... |
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| Map of the cavern's layout |
Although Lewis and Clark never saw the caverns they did camp close by and you can see about 50 miles of the river they traveled from the park. I guess that was enough to name the place after them. The caverns WERE found by a couple of guys from the closest town in 1882 but they never told anyone and it wasn't until 10 years later some guy found it again and tried to run tours in them. Government bureaucracy being what it is, they were told NO.
Interestingly, another guy ignored the NO and gave tours anyway for about 8 years. Eventually, President Taft gave it "monument" status in 1908 and when the government was tired of taking care of it they gave it to Montana, where it became a state park in 1938.
We visited the gift shop and visitor's center after our tour and bought (what else) ice cream for $6. Went to the Visitor's Center down by the entrance on the way back to trailer and found a 2 mile hike to take. We hiked 3 miles instead.
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| We took the low trail down to the river and then went up and around a small peak |
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| Jefferson River |
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| Yes, a river does run through it. |
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| View upriver during our hike |
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