Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

How to Get There

From Bozeman, MT (52 mi): Take I-90 W to Exit 256, then follow MT-2 W and signs to the park entrance.

Overview

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is Montana’s first and most famous state park, showcasing one of the most elaborate limestone cave systems in the Northwest. Guided tours lead visitors through rooms filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations, while interpretive guides share the cave’s geology and history. The Classic Tour includes a 2-mile hike and over 600 stairs, making it a thrilling adventure for those able to complete it.

Above ground, the park offers hiking trails, a visitor center, amphitheater, and a large campground with cabins and tent sites. The caverns maintain a cool 50°F year-round, making them a refreshing summer destination. With its blend of natural wonder and educational programming, this park is a must-see for geology enthusiasts and families alike.

Things to Do

Explore One of the Most Decorated Limestone Caverns in North America

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is Montana's first and best-known state park. Located between Whitehall and Three Forks, the park protects one of the largest known limestone cavern systems in the Northwest and offers visitors a combination of cave exploration, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic mountain landscapes.

Take a Guided Cavern Tour

The park's signature attraction is its spectacular limestone cave system. Access to the caverns is available by guided tour, where visitors can explore passageways filled with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, helictites, and other fascinating geological formations while learning about the cave's history and geology.

Visit the Visitor Centers

The park features visitor centers with exhibits, educational displays, a gift shop, and information about the caverns, wildlife, geology, and history of the region. These facilities provide an excellent introduction before venturing into the cave system or trail network.

Enjoy Hiking and Mountain Views

More than ten miles of trails traverse the park's rugged landscape, offering access to forests, grasslands, scenic overlooks, historic sites, and views of the Jefferson River Valley and Tobacco Root Mountains. Trails range from short interpretive walks to more challenging hiking routes.

Camp Under the Big Sky

The park offers campsites, cabins, and a wall tent accommodation. Campers can enjoy convenient access to hiking trails, cave tours, wildlife viewing opportunities, and evening interpretive programs during the summer season.

Experience Educational Programs

Interpretive programs, ranger-led activities, special events, and seasonal cave tours provide opportunities to learn about cave formation, local wildlife, Montana history, and conservation efforts throughout the park.

Observe Wildlife and Native Plants

The park's diverse habitats support deer, birds, small mammals, and a variety of native plant species. Wildflowers are especially abundant during spring and early summer, making the park a popular destination for nature photography and wildlife viewing.

Top Trails

Nature Loop Trail

Length: Approximately 0.25 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

Located near the upper picnic area, this short interpretive trail highlights native plants and wildflowers. It is an excellent option for families and visitors seeking a quick walk with educational opportunities.

Fishing Access Trail

Length: Approximately 1.3 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This relaxing trail leads from the campground to the Jefferson River, providing opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, photography, and enjoying views of the river corridor.

Greer Gulch Loop Trail

Length: Approximately 2 miles
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

The trail traverses rolling terrain and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular choice for hikers seeking a moderate outing through the park's diverse habitats.

Cave Gulch Trail

Length: Approximately 2 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
Difficulty: Challenging

One of the park's most strenuous hikes, Cave Gulch Trail climbs steeply toward the cavern area and offers rewarding views of the Jefferson River Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

East Side Trail

Length: Approximately 4 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Significant
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

This scenic trail winds through higher elevations of the park and provides expansive views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and open landscapes. It is a favorite route for experienced hikers seeking a longer adventure.

Sources: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks official Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park information covering cave tours, visitor facilities, campground amenities, hiking opportunities, interpretive programs, and park history. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park - Montana FWP

Additional trail information covering the Nature Loop Trail, Fishing Access Trail, Greer Gulch Loop Trail, Cave Gulch Trail, East Side Trail, and other hiking opportunities within the park. Lewis & Clark Caverns Trails

Supplemental visitor information regarding the Lewis & Clark Caverns Trail System, scenic viewpoints, wildlife viewing, and recreational opportunities throughout the park. Lewis & Clark Caverns Trail System - Visit Montana

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.