The Lower Portage Staging Area provides interpretation and views of the steep ascent from Belt Creek that the Expedition used to move the heavy dugout canoes and all their equipment to the plains above the Missouri River. From here, the portage route continued about 18 miles.
On June 13, 1805, the Great Falls Portage presented Lewis and Clark with one of the most challenging ordeals of the Expedition. On June 16, 1805, the expedition consolidated at Lower Portage Camp, about one mile below Belt Creek (named Portage Creek by Lewis and Clark). While encamped, they surveyed a suitable portage route, constructed wagons to haul canoes and supplies, and undertook the arduous task of moving their equipment 18 miles overland to the Upper Portage Camp.
By June 28, the last load was transported away from the lower camp, and the remaining supplies were cached in place. The white pirogue was left there and retrieved on the return trip in July 1806.
Progress was slow. The crudely made wagons required almost constant repair. They trudged through intense heat, and prickly pear cacti tore through their moccasins. Lewis described his men’s condition:
“. . . They are obliged to halt and rest frequently for a few minute. At every halt these poor fellow tumble down and are so much fortiegued that many of them are asleep in an instant. In short their fatiegues are incredible; some are limping from the soreness of their feet, others faint and unable to stand for a few minutes, with heat and fatiegue, yet no one complains. All go with cheerfulness . . .”
Sulphur Springs Trailhead, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 1.10 mi (straight line)
30 Morony Loop, Highwood, MT 59450, USA
Distance: 1.10 mi (straight line)
160 Ryan Dam Rd, Great Falls, MT 59404, USA
Distance: 3.75 mi (straight line)
6401 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA
Distance: 8.33 mi (straight line)
Giant Springs State Park, Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 9.33 mi (straight line)
Giant Springs State Park, Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 9.33 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences LC Features Museums and Interpretive Centers
4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA
Distance: 9.74 mi (straight line)
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 9.74 mi (straight line)
Roadhouse Diner, 15th Street North, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 12.16 mi (straight line)
C. M. Russell Museum, 13th Street North, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 12.44 mi (straight line)
923 10th Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401, USA
Distance: 12.46 mi (straight line)
Blackfeet Outfitters, 10th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 12.54 mi (straight line)
800 River Dr N, Great Falls, MT 59401, USA
Distance: 12.73 mi (straight line)
17 7th Street South, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 12.96 mi (straight line)
Crooked Tree Coffee, 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 13.07 mi (straight line)
Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. Production and Packaging Facility, 3rd Avenue South, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 13.13 mi (straight line)
Mighty Mo Brewing Co, Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 13.17 mi (straight line)
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.