Lewis and Clark Pass - Helena National Forest, Montana July 14, 2014

Where: Lewis and Clark Pass up to the Continental Divide - Helena National Forest, Montana
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation at Highest Point: 6,424 feet
Wildlife and scenery: black flies, bees, crickets, butterflies, wildflowers
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate, gradual uphill
Type: Out and Back
Hiking Companion: Jesse

I'm excited to share some recent explorations through Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.  It is vastly different out west in comparison to where I am from on Long Island. Both places have beautiful locations; some well known and traveled to frequently and other spots more secluded whose hidden splendor makes it even more special. Each exploration offers something new to discover and to learn from. A new memory to change your soul forever.

The first hike I'll post is a short one that leads to the Lewis and Clark Pass. The Pass crosses the Continental Divide Trail when you reach the top, which is another excitement in itself. The Continental Divide Trail is one of the three major long distance thru-hiking trails in America. The other two being the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. There are many contrasts between the three which I'll save for another post. But I will say, in short, that in seeing small sections of the AT and CDT; the CDT is a lot less traversed with more solitude and awe inspiring views. It has more of the wilderness experience, whereas the AT, while also containing many picturesque settings of a lesser magnitude, offers more of the community/kinship spirit. Each again are beautiful in their own way, though the views of the CDT draw me in like no other.

Your adventure begins on the 11 mile drive to the trailhead. It is a narrow dirt road that needs to be driven slowly with occasional steep drop-offs. Before reaching the parking lot, you'll come across this sign showing where Lewis and his party stopped for dinner. I was particularly excited for this hike because of it's historical significance and also because my boyfriend's last name is Lewis which made it more special.

Keep driving past this and eventually you'll reach a pretty large dirt parking lot that includes an outhouse and a sign with some more information on Lewis and Clark.

At this time of year, the parking lot was full of black flies, which made it quite difficult to use the outhouse. Eek. Once we got going on the trail though, the flies and other insects kept to themselves for the most part. There were also many butterflies fluttering about. This one took a rest here.

It was time to start the hike! The sign at the start states that it is a 1.5 mile hike to the top of the pass.

Mr. Lewis and I ready to hike!

The trail is a gradual uphill for the entire hike up to the pass. It is not too difficult, but you may want to take some breaks on the way up not just for a breather, but for the views as well.

My favorite parts of hikes are the flowers and butterflies in the summertime. Against a landscape they really shine.

One of my favorite spots on the trail

Keep walking up on the 2 lane trail and you'll reach a slight curve to the right where it opens up a little bit more. We're almost to the top now. You'll reenter the forest and see the sign for the pass once you reach it.

The pass had some patches of Bear Grass. I've never seen this type of plant before as it's not on the east coast. It's a type that bears eat and you'll notice as you walk along the trail, the tops of the bear grass may be missing sometimes, which means a bear already came along and ate it.

Bear Grass

Just a bit further down you'll reach the official sign for the Pass. Woo Hoo!

It was a bright and sunny day and a perfect place for a rest. The path for the CDT runs directly across where this sign is.  If you look closely there is a sign for the CDT on the Lewis and Clark Pass sign, but it needs to be repaired as it's broken in half.
To the left of the sign, shown in the picture below, the CDT continues, as shown by a stake with the symbol for the CDT along with more bear grass near the trail.

I would've loved to continue hiking and exploring along the CDT, but this was just a leisurely day hike today. One day we shall return and with repair tools for the sign. Time to return back the way we came.

A look of oneself through another's eyes.

Adjusting the backpack

GPS Display Map

Overall, this was a very nice hike. We were the only ones on the trail, but it was also a weekday. The trail head seemed a bit remote to get to, but everywhere is very spacious out there.

The only link we used in planning was wikipedia. It provides directions and is descriptive enough to find your way. If planning a longer hike along the continental divide trail you might want to pick up a map.

Lewis and Clark Pass on Wiki

Wikipedia says there's a good chance of grizzlies being on the trail, but we didn't see any on our hike.

Recommended reading:

A River Runs Through It

Or if you are not a book person, this was also made into a movie which was also very good.

The story takes place in Montana and is a great movie to watch or book to read before visiting and you'll recognize places mentioned such as the picturesque Blackfoot River.

Recommended town to visit:
Missoula, MT

Missoula is a college town with lots of good places to eat. If driving though I'd add on Biga Pizza as a MUST stop. One of the best pizzas I ever had in my life and I've had lots of pizza in NY.

Caramelized Goat Cheese Pizza Highly Recommended

This pizza made me very happy. :)