Lincoln in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Into Blackfeet Country
On the Lolo, Helena, and Lewis & Clark National Forest
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 12, 2022
1. Into Blackfeet Country Marker
Map of Lewis & Clark and Lewis in north central Montana.
This easy route led Lewis to where the vast treeless prairie rises dramatically into the reefs and ridges of the "Rocky Mountain Front".
Here Lewis anxiously traveled deeper into Blackfeet Indian Country to find the northern most reach of the Missouri River. Today, experience the northern Rockies as Lewis did.
Take pictures from "a commanding view sof the country".
Watch for birds that "sung most enchantingly" on the river. Hike to the top of Lewis and Clark Pass; imagine the "extensive high plain covered with immence hirds of buffaloe".
(side-bar on right:)
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Explore Your National Forests and National Grasslands
Lewis and Clark pushed up the Missouri River through prairies, badlands, and grass-filled valleys to its headwaters. They crossed the rugged spine of the continent over "an endless sea of mountains" until they could at last canoe downstream to the Columbia River.
Instead of empty wilderness, they found a land rich in people and resources. Led by Indian guides over ancient trails, they marveled at rugged scenery and the abundance
this page online
Today, you can still find impressive herds of elk, fish in crystal clean rivers, or explore vast areas of wild lands in national forests and national grasslands.
All this awaits your own journey of discovery.
Erected by U.S. Forest Service, Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.
Location. 46° 57.231′ N, 112° 40.223′ W. Marker is in Lincoln, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It can be reached from Main Street (State Highway 200) near First Street North, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located near the Hooper Park Campground. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Main Street, Lincoln MT 59639, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Montana, in Gold West Country and in Greater Helena. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Join the Voyage of Discovery (approx. 6.7 miles away); A Fine Passageway (approx. 6.7 miles away); A River Runs Through It (approx. 6.7 miles away).
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 12, 2022
2. Into Blackfeet Country Marker, detail at the bottom left.
John Ford Chymer -- The Lewis Crossing
"river of the road to buffaloe"
At Travelers' Rest Nez Perce guides told Lewis the easiest way back to the falls of the Missouri was up a river they called Cokahlarishkit, of the river of the road to buffaloe".
On July 3, 1806 crossing the Clark Fork River, Lewis noted, "the raft sunk and I was drawn off ... by a bush and swam on shoe ...". Their return adventure continued onward!
"river of the road to buffaloe"
At Travelers' Rest Nez Perce guides told Lewis the easiest way back to the falls of the Missouri was up a river they called Cokahlarishkit, of the river of the road to buffaloe".
On July 3, 1806 crossing the Clark Fork River, Lewis noted, "the raft sunk and I was drawn off ... by a bush and swam on shoe ...". Their return adventure continued onward!
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 12, 2022
3. Into Blackfeet Country Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2023, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 307 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 7, 2023, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
