Salem near Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Keen Observers of Nature
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2026
1. Keen Observers on Nature Marker
At the Upper Portage Camp, the men caught a rat that had been in their stores. This resulted in the first scientific observation of the bushy tail rat. Lewis wrote that the men brought him a "living ground squirrel." It actually was a thirteen-lined ground squirrel. He also described the western meadowlark while Clark reported the swift fox and Goodrich caught several cutthroat trout. All of these were new to science.
Erected by Portage Route Chapter, Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance (formerly Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.
Location. 47° 34.855′ N, 111° 2.483′ 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 marker is located at the Lewis and Clark Expedition,
this page online
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 one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Modern, Well-Armed Unit (within shouting distance of this marker); Portaging the Great Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); The Staging Area (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (within shouting distance of this marker); Avenue to the Plains (within shouting distance of this marker); Deciding the Best Route (within shouting distance of this marker); Flowing Free for Miles
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2026
2. Keen Observers on Nature Marker
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 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
