Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest – Image Gallery

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Details

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is located in the state of Montana and covers over 2.8 million acres of land. It is named after the famous explorers Lewis and Clark, who journeyed through the area in the early 19th century.

Features:

• Mountains: The forest is home to several mountain ranges, including the Big Belt Mountains, the Little Belt Mountains, and the Crazy Mountains. These mountains provide stunning views and opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
• Rivers and Lakes: The forest is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and lakes, including the Missouri River, Smith River, and Blackfoot River. These waterways offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports.
• Forests: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is primarily covered in dense forests of pine, fir, and spruce trees. These forests provide habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
• Wildlife: The forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and eagles. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting a variety of bird species in the area.
• Recreation: The forest offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. There are also numerous trails for mountain biking and off-roading.

Ecological Significance:

The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest plays a vital role in preserving the natural habitats of Montana. The diverse ecosystems within the forest support a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered.

The forest also helps to maintain the health of local watersheds, providing clean water for wildlife and nearby communities. Additionally, the forest serves as a carbon sink, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Overall, the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is a valuable natural resource that provides numerous benefits to both the environment and the people who visit and live in the area.

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Points of Interest

Most Popular Points of Interest in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

• Gates of the Mountains Wilderness: This stunning area is named for the towering limestone cliffs that resemble gates, and is a popular spot for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
• Giant Springs State Park: Home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, this park offers beautiful views, hiking trails, and a fish hatchery.
• Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex: This vast wilderness area spans over a million acres and offers incredible opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
• Canyon Ferry Lake: This reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail: This iconic trail passes through the forest, offering hikers the chance to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest – Images

Description: Big Baldy Mountain on the Helena-Lewis and Clark NF

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Map of Helena National Forest — located in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. The Helena, Lincoln, and Townsend Ranger Districts of the national forest are in orange. Surrounding national forests, including Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Lewis and Clark National Forest are in green. Credits This map was made using ARCMAP 10.1, and all data are in the public domain. Forest Service boundary data are from the US Forest Service FSGeodata Clearinghouse

Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Mountain range in the Helena National Forest — in Lewis and Clark County, Montana.

Image by – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Lewis and Clark Pass on the many centuries old Buffalo Road Trail along Blackfoot River, Montana. It connects the valleys of the Rocky Mountains with the Northern Plains. Columbia Plateau natives used the trail to get to the huntings grounds east of the mountains. The pass is called Indian Fort Pass by the Salish and Pend d’Oreille. Two stone structures on a ridge above the pass were used by natives to watch for approaching strangers on the plains. Source: Scott, Sara A.:” Indian Forts and Religious Icons: The Buffalo Road (Qoq’aalx ‘Iskit) Trail Before and After the Lewis and Clark Expedition.” International Journal of Historic Archaeology. Vol. 15, No. 19 (2015). Pp. 384-415.

Image by National Park Service – Public domain – Wikimedia