Madison River Valley in Montana

Known for its exceptional trout water, mountain views, and charming old-west towns, Madison River Valley offers a range of activities and serves as a scenic thoroughfare between Bozeman and West Yellowstone.

Overview

Located in southwest Montana, the Madison River Valley is a picturesque example of Montana's "Big Sky" living, offering blue-ribbon trout fishing, pristine mountain ranges, old-west towns, and plenty of outdoor recreation.

Location/Directions

The Madison Valley runs north and south, west of Bozeman and West Yellowstone, extending from Three Forks to Yellowstone National Park. Travelers from Bozeman should take I-90 west to Three Forks and then continue south on HWY 287/MT-2. Features along the route include views of the Madison, Gravelly, and Tobacco Root Mountain Ranges, excellent fishing including “Fifty Mile Riffle,” Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, and Ennis, Quake and Hebgen Lakes.

Activities

Fishing
An ideal fly fishing destination, the Madison River produces an abundance of large browns and rainbows, with an especially productive area between Quake and Ennis Lakes, referred to as the “fifty mile riffle.” Wade, float, or book a guided trip with a local outfitter. Hebgen, Quake and Ennis Lakes also offer fine fishing opportunity.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Explore large underground limestone caverns featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and other mesmerizing natural features at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, located 19 miles west of Three Forks along MT-HWY 2. Open year-round, the park also provides a 40-site campground, 9-mile hiking trail, concessions and gift shop, interpretive displays, playground and more. Enjoy a guided cavern tour (available from May 1 – September 30), followed by activities such as fishing, canoeing, biking, hiking, and picnicking.

Virginia City
Take a walking tour through this old-west town, situated just 28 miles west of Ennis on HWY-287. Visit the museum, explore a number of gift shops and boutiques, and for those with a sweet tooth, be sure to sample the homemade ice cream or browse the candy store.

Additional Information

Located within the Madison Valley, Quake Lake (Earthquake Lake) was formed on August 17, 1959, when an earthquake, measuring over 7 on the Richter Scale, struck near Hebgen Lake, causing a large landslide on the Madison River.