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

Portaging the Great Falls

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2026

1. Portaging the Great Falls Marker

Inscription. Lewis recorded the start of the portage on June 21, 1805, "This morning I employed the greater part of the men in transporting apart of the baggage over Portage Creek to the top of the high plains about three miles in advance on the portage (this is where you are standing)." Clark's entry, 12 days later, marked the last of the portage, "Dispatched some men for the kegs, etc. left at the six mile stake. ["]
The return portage in 1806 required half the time involved only half the Expedition. The others were either to the south with Clark on the Yellowstone or north with Lewis on the Marias.

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: Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 21, 1805.

Location. 47° 34.835′ N, 111° 2.467′ 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

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traveling north. The 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: The Staging Area (here, next to this marker); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (here, next to this marker); A Modern, Well-Armed Unit (a few steps from this marker); Deciding the Best Route (a few steps from 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. Portaging the Great Falls 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.

Aerial Photograph of the Portage Route image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2026

3. Aerial Photograph of the Portage Route

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2026

4. Elevation Profile of the Portage Route

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 24, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.