Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

On our days off this week, we decided to travel to Cardwell, MT, to visit Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Although Lewis and Clark did travel through this canyon area of the Jefferson River, they had absolutely nothing to do with the discovery and development of the caverns. (go figure)
Our attraction to the area did not really include the caverns, which have a $10.00 admission and 3/4 mile trek up the mountain to the entrance. We went there for the hiking and were not disappointed.



The park has a total of nine miles of hiking trails, most of which are listed as strenuous. On our second day at the park, we first hiked to the site of a former, gypsum mine. Gypsum is used to make plaster of paris and drywall...among other things.


The entrances have been closed with bars to keep people out and allow the bat colonies to come and go as they please.


The area has several ecosystems including mountain desert with cactus and lush, wet forest. It has been uncommonly cold this spring in Montana and the wildflowers and blossoming trees are just beginning to open.


On our hike, we climbed over 1,000 feet in 1.9 miles.
We arrived at the top where the entrance to the caverns is located along with a gift shop and cafe'. Although the sun was shining, a cold wind with temperatures in the 50's made being outside at the mountain top uncomfortable. Sharing a sandwich at an indoor table was a good thing.
Following our lunch, we continued on a rolling trail that led us down the other side of the mountain. The park road winds down the valley to the park entrance far below.


This bridge was constructed by the CCC in the 1930's. The stonework is extremely intricate and reminiscent of the vaulted arches in Europe that were also built throughout America until the 1800's. Although the group is disappearing in many areas of our country, Free Masons still abound in this area. Historically, stonework of this type was a trade secret passed on through what began as a medieval guild in Europe and then became a "secret society" in America, counting many of our Founding Fathers as members.


We walked through the dense greenery of the area and noted the mountain top where we lunched in the distance.


After six, strenuous miles, we came to the top of a rise to see our campground below. I, for one, was ready to take off my boots!




We were a bit disappointed that our only wildlife viewing was of the winged type. No bears, no mountain lions and no rattle snakes. We had warning signs for them all. In addition, we did not see any deer or coyote. I guess they don't like the cold either!


These are some shots we took on our first day at the park. We drove up to the top and stopped at some viewing points.




Since it was cold, we opted to rent a cabin instead of taking the tent. After rain moved in the second night, I was VERY happy to be inside.
This is Larry's "mugshot" for his family. The name Morrison is part of his family line and that was the name on our cabin.


The evening sun accented the brilliant, spring green of the trees surrounding the "rental" tipi at the campground.


This is just, plain scary!


Birds were everywhere at the campground. This Bullock's Oriole was enjoying the pine nuts in a tree next to our cabin.



Nearly a full moon on our first night.



We toasted marshmallows until the cold wind ended the fun.





We are still planning to get (try) to Yellowstone and the Tetons before the tourists. If only the snow would go away! It's been in the 40's and raining here in Deer Lodge all day and snow is in the forecast for tomorrow. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.