On August 13, 1805, Captain William Clark climbed the hill above the Beaverhead River to survey the surroundings and document the route ahead. Today, Clark's Lookout State Park is located there. A short walk leads to the viewpoint, which overlooks Beaverhead Valley; a monument records Clark’s three compass readings. This brings the connection between the viewpoint and historic navigation into focus.
Gold-Rush History and Expedition Memories
Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery. It dates to July 28, 1862. More than 50 historic log and wood-frame buildings line Main Street. The two building styles also give the historic building stock its architectural character.
Camp Fortunate at Clark Canyon Reservoir tells a different story of the expedition. There, the Lewis and Clark Expedition met the Lemhi Shoshoni, and Sacagawea was reunited with her people. The encounter and reunion offer a different focus from Clark’s surveying work at the Lookout.
Since the 1930s, the Beaverhead County Museum has collected, preserved, displayed, and interpreted local history. The museum includes the Union Pacific Depot, built in 1909, which houses the Ride the Rails railroad exhibit. The museum also features a diorama about Lewis and Clark. The different exhibits lead from regional history to the expedition and the railroad.
Landscapes, Trails, and Regional Orientation
Beaverhead County lies along the Beaverhead River. The river flows into the Jefferson River and eventually the Great Missouri River. Designated in 1989, the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway crosses the Pioneer Mountains in Beaverhead County in southwestern Montana. Numerous trails leading into the mountains begin along the route. Another point of reference is Big Hole National Battlefield, on MT Highway 43, ten miles west of Wisdom.
In winter, opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing are available along the Scenic Byway. When the route is closed for winter, it is designated as a National Recreation Snowmobile Trail. When planning, take seasonal access and conditions into account.
Wildlife and Nature Trails
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest wetland complex in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is an outstanding place for wildlife viewing and photography. Two easy trails are out-and-back routes: Sparrow Pond Trail and Odell Creek Trail. These provide two named options for a walk.
There are no paved roads in the refuge. Four-wheel drive and high ground clearance may be necessary when seasonal mud or snow is present. Check road conditions before driving.
On the western edge of Dillon, the Beaverhead Trails Coalition’s 1,114-acre property includes ten miles of trails for hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding. The trails accommodate a variety of activities, so you don’t have to choose just one.
Ruins and Crystals
Coolidge is a ghost town ruin in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The town was founded in 1919 as a silver-mining town. From the trailhead, a 15-minute walk leads to the ruins.
The Forest Service has designated Crystal Park for recreational rock collecting. Quartz crystals are scattered throughout the weathered granite on the 220-acre site. Amenities include three picnic areas with tables and grills, interpretive signs, restrooms, and a paved trail with benches and a viewpoint. Check collecting rules, seasonal access, and amenities before your visit.
Seasons and Local Experiences in Dillon
The Beaverhead County Fair is held annually in Dillon. It begins on the Wednesday of Labor Day weekend and runs through Sunday; the exact dates vary from year to year. In Dillon, Beaverhead Brewing Company offers brewery tours lasting about ten minutes. Confirm tour arrangements again before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Dillon, Broadwater, Ravalli County, Carbon County, Custer County, Jefferson County, Park, Deer Lodge.
For the broader travel overview: Montana.
