Canyon Ferry Reservoir is a significant recreation area in Montana thanks to its proximity to Helena, Great Falls and Butte. What is more, given its size and location, it is considered as one of the most popular lakes in the state. Around the reservoir, there are 24 recreation sites managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. In July of 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition travelled through the Canyon Ferry area with the aim to explore and map the Missouri River. Lewis described that area as a beautiful and extensive plain country of about 10 to 12 miles wide which extended upwards “further than an eye could see”.
Numerous state recreation areas are located around Canyon Ferry Lake, and some of them have Lewis and Clark interpretation. When you come visit the Reservoir, you will be able to experience the abundance of wildlife and fishing opportunities available on these public lands. What is more, the area is said to be one of the best in the country for viewing large concentrations of bald eagles. Not to mention its excellent accessibility, with numerous special designated access sites all around the lake!
Crimson Bluffs Trail Head, BLM, Townsend, MT, USA
Distance: 11.69 mi (straight line)
LC Features Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
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7700 Canyon Ferry Road, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 14.49 mi (straight line)
General History Outdoor Experiences
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Two Camps Vista, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 19.58 mi (straight line)
LC Features Viewpoints Walks and Hikes RV and Camping
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1800 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 23.31 mi (straight line)
225 N Roberts St, Helena, MT 59620
Distance: 23.51 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Last Chance Tours, North Roberts Street, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 23.53 mi (straight line)
Shellie's Country Cafe, Cedar Street, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 23.69 mi (straight line)
Beattie Street Trailhead for Mount Ascension, South Beattie Street, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 23.97 mi (straight line)
Lewis & Clark Brewing Co., Dodge Avenue, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.10 mi (straight line)
Steffano's Pizza & Sub Shoppe, North Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.29 mi (straight line)
The Carolina, North Ewing Street, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.39 mi (straight line)
The Sanders - Helena's Bed and Breakfast, North Ewing Street, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.41 mi (straight line)
The Myrna Loy, North Ewing Street, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.41 mi (straight line)
Galleries and Venues Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Holter Museum of Art, East Lawrence Street, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.55 mi (straight line)
Galleries and Venues Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Benny's Bistro, East 6th Avenue, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.55 mi (straight line)
Parrot Confectionery Store, North Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.61 mi (straight line)
Lucca's, North Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT, USA
Distance: 24.61 mi (straight line)
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.