Salem near Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Deciding the Best Route

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2026

1. Deciding the Best Route Marker

Drawings by Ron Ukrainetz

Inscription. Once the Expedition reached this area, they were faced with how to portage around the five waterfalls, a distance of about eighteen miles. The south side would be the shortest way, however, two men who were sent to explore this area gave a very unfavorable report because two deep ravines crossed the route. Lewis' response was good or bad we must make the portage.
Clark surveyed the portage route making it with stakes for the men to follow. The route follow the high ground from here for about two-and-half miles then turns southwest towards the white bear islands, where they world re-enter the river.

Erected by Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance (formerly Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 47° 34.823′ N, 111° 2.466′ W. Marker is near Great Falls, Montana, in Cascade County. It is in Salem. It is on Salem Road near Highwood Road, on the left when traveling north. The

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marker is located at the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Portage Staging Area National Historic Site. The Staging Area is approximately 6 miles north of Highwood Road on Salem Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Great Falls MT 59404, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Russell Country. 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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Portaging the Great Falls (a few steps from this marker); The Staging Area (a few steps from this marker); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (a few steps from this marker); A Modern, Well-Armed Unit (within shouting distance of this marker); Avenue to the Plains (within shouting distance of this marker); Keen Observers of Nature (within shouting distance of

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2026

2. Deciding the Best Route Marker

this marker); Flowing Free for Miles (approx. one mile away); Land of Many Uses / Sulphur Springs Hiking Trail / Lewis and Clark Reach the Rapids (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Falls.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.