Elks Riverside Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elks Riverside Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Montana, in the United States.


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Summary

The park is situated on the banks of the Clark Fork River and is known for its stunning views, unique wildlife, and numerous outdoor recreational activities.

One of the main reasons to visit Elks Riverside Park is to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can go hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, and birdwatching, among other activities. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears.

Some of the specific points of interest to see in Elks Riverside Park include the Riverfront Trail, which is an ideal spot for hiking and biking, and the Packer Meadow, which is a popular spot for picnics and birdwatching. The park also features a playground, basketball court, and a disc golf course.

Interesting facts about the area include that the park is named after the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a fraternal organization that donated the land for the park. Additionally, the Clark Fork River is known for its excellent trout fishing.

The best time of year to visit Elks Riverside Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the park is in full swing. However, autumn and spring are also great times to visit, as the colors of the leaves and flowers are spectacular during these seasons.

Overall, Elks Riverside Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience the natural beauty of Montana.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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