Beaverhead: Gold History, Culture and Nature

Explore Beaverhead through several specific themes: gold history in Bannack, sites along the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and natural areas with hiking and winter activities. The season and current conditions can affect some outdoor activities and access routes.

Gold History and Local Collections

Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery, on July 28, 1862. More than 50 historic log and wood-frame buildings stand along its Main Street. The specific date and different building styles offer two points of reference for understanding Bannack’s history.

Since the 1930s, the Beaverhead County Museum has collected, preserved, displayed and interpreted local history. The museum includes the Union Pacific Depot, built in 1909, which houses the “Ride the Rails” railroad exhibit. The museum also features a diorama about Lewis and Clark. Local history, railroading and memories of the expedition thus appear as distinct topics.

Traces of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Camp Fortunate at Clark Canyon Reservoir is where the Lewis and Clark Expedition met the Lemhi Shoshoni and Sacagawea was reunited with her people. Another site is present-day Clark’s Lookout State Park above the Beaverhead River. On August 13, 1805, Captain William Clark climbed the hill to survey his surroundings and document the route ahead. A short walk leads to the overlook above the Beaverhead Valley; a monument shows Captain Clark’s three compass readings.

Wetlands, Trails and Winter Activities

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest wetland complex in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is an outstanding place for wildlife viewing and photography. Two easy out-and-back trails are the Sparrow Pond Trail and the Odell Creek Trail. There are no paved roads in the refuge. Four-wheel drive and high ground clearance may be necessary when seasonal mud or snow is present; check road conditions before setting out.

Designated in 1989, the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway crosses the Pioneer Mountains in Beaverhead County in southwestern Montana. Numerous trails leading into the mountains start along the byway. During the winter months, the area around the byway offers opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing. When the route is closed for winter, it is designated as a National Recreation Snowmobile Trail. Seasonal activities therefore vary considerably: plan yours according to your travel dates and route conditions.

Crystal Park is designated by the Forest Service for recreational rock collecting. Quartz crystals are scattered through weathered granite across the 220-acre site. Facilities include three picnic areas with tables and grills, informational signs, restrooms, and a paved path with benches and an overlook. Confirm seasonal access and the current status of facilities and collecting rules before your visit.

Trails and Events in Dillon

On the western edge of Dillon, the 1,114-acre property of the Beaverhead Trails Coalition has 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding. Another kind of outing leads to Coolidge: the ghost-town ruins in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, founded as a silver-mining town in 1919. From the trailhead, a 15-minute walk leads to the ruins.

In Dillon, the Beaverhead Brewing Company offers brewery tours of about ten minutes; confirm tour arrangements again before your trip. The Beaverhead County Fair is held annually in Dillon: it begins on the Wednesday of Labor Day weekend and runs through Sunday. The exact calendar dates vary from year to year. If you’re planning your trip around the fair, check the dates for that year in advance.

Discover more destinations: Dillon, Treasure County, Judith Basin County, Sheridan County, Yellowstone, Cascade, Mccone County, Richland County.

For the broader travel overview: Montana.