MONTANA PARK OF THE WEEK: Clark's Lookout State Park

Stand where William Clark stood in 1805, and imagine the scenery when the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through this area.

Established December 23, 1985, Clark's Lookout is set along the historic Lewis and Clark trail.

On August 13, 1805, Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery found what is now Clark's Lookout State Park. Having traveled from the headwaters of the Missouri River up Jefferson River to continue their search for a passage to the Pacific Ocean, they found an incredible view instead.

The top of the hill provided Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery with a view of what lay ahead. William Clark worked to explore and document the hill overlooking the Beaverhead River.

He wrote:

While Lewis' scouting party proceeded overland, Clark led the main body of the expedition up the Beaver­head River. It was arduous work, with the group "much fatigued and weakened by being continualy in the water drawing the Canoes over the Sholes." In response to the men's complaints of the "emence labour they are obliged to undergo," Clark drily noted, "I passify them."

On August 13, 1805, Clark ascended "a high Point of Limestone rocks on the Stard Side" in order to survey the route ahead. From here he took compass readings to "Point of the Beaver head hill" (Beaverhead Rock), the "Course of the Wisdom river" (Big Hole River), and the "gap at the place the [Beaverhead] river passes thro' a mountain."

Interpretive signs help to explain the navigational methods used by the Corps of Discovery.

A short hike to the top of the lookout provides an incredible view of the Beaverhead Valley.

You'll also find a granite monument shaped like a compass that displays the three-compass readings Clark took in 1805. The compass monument's design came from a small pocket compass Clark carried during the expedition!

Park

Open: May 1 - September 30

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Location

25 Clark's Lookout Road

Dillon, MT 59725