Lewis & Clark Caverns in Three Forks

A spectacular underground world of frozen waterfalls, columns and rock icicles.

Lewis and Clark Caverns is Montana's first and best known state park. Hidden in the white limestone cliffs above the Jefferson River, 15 miles southwest of Three Forks and 10 miles east of Whitehall, are two dark holes. These openings are gateways to an underground world of spectacular caves that are naturally air-conditioned and feature multi-tiered columns, stalagmites, stalactites, frozen waterfalls and rock icicles.

CAVERNS – A WORLD WITHOUT LIGHT

Gain knowledge of the delicate ecology of this world without light; see the geologic development; and, the history of early exploration.

Plan to spend a minimum of two hours to hike two miles on a guided tour through the caverns. The park also provides hiking trails, a visitor center, an amphitheater, several picnic areas, a large campground, showers, RV dump facilities, and rental cabins.

LEWIS AND CLARK CAVERNS – A BRIEF HISTORY

Although the caverns are now named for Lewis and Clark, they actually never visited them, nor is it likely that they knew of their existence. Lewis and Clark came into the area in 1805 during their famous mapping expedition. They passed below the caverns, along the river, but were unaware of the caverns' existence.

In 1892, two hunters discovered the cave. Though Indian arrow heads have reportedly been found in the cave, these were the first men of modern time to enter. Tom Williams, one of the hunters, returned to the cave six years later and began to wonder about the possibility of developing the caverns. A local miner and investor named Dan Morrison was approached.

Morrison opened the caverns to the public. He named it 'Limespur Cave', began to build 2000 wooden stairs inside, which included the famous spiral staircase, and started an intensive publicity campaign in 1901.

But Northern Pacific Railroad officials believed the land Morrison claimed had been granted to them by the government. They took Morrison to court in 1908 and won. They then gave the land back to the U.S. government which made it into a national monument, renamed Lewis and Clark Caverns.

Conflict between Morrison and the federal government continued, however, until Morrison's death in 1932. By that time, the government had decided that the caverns were more trouble than they were worth. So, the land was officially transferred to the State Park System, and in 1937 Lewis and Clark Caverns became Montana's first state park.

In 1937 Lewis and Clark Caverns became Montana's first state park.

GUIDED TOURS, INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS AND EVENING PROGRAMS

The park is open year around, and guided tours are conducted according to this schedule:

• May 1-June 14:  9am and 4:30pm
• June 15-August 19: 9am and 6:30pm
• August 20-Sepetember 30: 9am and 4:30pm

Encompassing 3040 acres at an elevation of 4,200 feet, the park features a visitor center, interpretive displays, and evening programs presented during the summer months.

An average of 600 visitors a day from all around the world view the caverns, but 50% of the visitors still hail from Montana.

DIRECTIONS
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is located 19 miles west of Three Forks on Montana Highway 2, or 17 miles east of Whitehall on Montana Highway 2. (Allow 5-6 hours time for a round-trip visit to the Caverns from Big Sky)

Tour fees:
Adults (age 12 & older): $10
Children (ages 6-11): $5
Younger children are free but need much assistance to complete the two-mile, 600 steps for the tour.
Educational rates are often available if reservations are made at least two weeks in advance.

Park Dates
Park is open year-round.

Information
Latitude: 45.52
Longitude: 111.85
Acres: 3034
Elevation: 4240
Nearest water body: Jefferson River
Nearest town: Whitehall
Nearest hospital: Butte

Day Use Fees
Out-of-State have to pay an entrance fee: $5/vehicle
(only charged to those not camping or going on a tour.

Cabin Rentals:
May-September: $45
Rest of the year: $30 (please call in advance to arrange to get key and water)

General
Group reservations required: Yes
For reservations contact: (406) 287-3541
Pets allowed: Yes
Seasonal manager: Yes
Camp host: Yes
Public telephone: Yes
Groceries and/or concession: Yes

Camping
Camping facilities: Yes
Tent sites: 20
Total campsites: 40
Dumpster: Yes
Grill / fire rings: Yes
Group campsite: Yes

Camping Fees:
May-September: $15
Rest of the year: $13 and no water available

Recreation
Picnic tables: Yes Trails: Yes
Hiking trails: 3.90 Interpretive trail: Yes
Interpretive center: Yes Amp h itheatre: Yes
Golf course nearby: Yes, (1) in Three Forks (9 holes) Bikes allowed: Yes
Museum nearby: Yes, (1) in Three Forks, (1) in Whitehall

Boating & Fishing
Boat restrictions: Hand Launch Only
River Fishing access: Yes

Sanitation
Vault toilets: Yes
Flush toilets: Yes
Showers: Yes
Pressurized water: Yes

Contact Info
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
P.O. Box 489
Whitehall, MT 59759
Phone: (406) 287-3541
http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_281895.aspx