MISSOURI HEADWATERS STATE PARK

Amenities Weather Recreation


PARKS MONTANA

Missouri Headwaters State Park


May 1, 2024

Missouri Headwaters State Park, located in Three Forks, Montana, is a popular destination for those interested in history, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. The park is named after the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, which form the Missouri River.

One of the main reasons to visit Missouri Headwaters State Park is to explore the rich history of the area. The park is home to the Missouri Headwaters National Historic Landmark, which preserves and interprets the site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition first encountered the Missouri River. Visitors can explore the interpretive center and take guided tours of the area.

In addition to its historical significance, Missouri Headwaters State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The park has several hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites. Fishing is also popular in the park, with the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers all offering opportunities to catch trout and other fish.

Interesting facts about the park include its status as the beginning of the 2,341-mile-long Missouri River, which flows through several states before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and mule deer.

The best time of year to visit Missouri Headwaters State Park depends on the activities you are interested in. The park is open year-round, but the most popular months are from May to September when temperatures are warmer and outdoor activities are more accessible. Winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also available.




Weather Outlook



16 Day Long Term Forecast

Seasonal Comparison


Historical Data


Fishing Destinations

                                                       

Rock Creek (Smith drainage)

Apache Trout Brook Trout Brown Trout Cutthroat Trout Rainbow Trout

Missouri River Fishing Access Site

Apache Trout Brown Trout Cutthroat Trout Lake Whitefish Mountain Whitefish Rainbow Trout

Prickly Pear Creek

Apache Trout Brown Trout Lake Whitefish Mountain Whitefish Rainbow Trout

Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir

Apache Trout Atlantic Salmon Brown Trout Rainbow Trout

Hyalite Creek

Apache Trout Brown Trout

Blue Danube Lake

Apache Trout

Hound Creek

Apache Trout Kelp Bass Northern Pike Permit

Deep Creek (Upper Missouri Drainage)

Apache Trout Brown Trout

Ennis Fishing Access

Blaine Spring Creek

Apache Trout Cutthroat Trout

Hauser Reservoir

Apache Trout Kelp Bass Rainbow Trout Smallmouth Bass Walleye White Perch

Hot Springs Creek

Apache Trout Brown Trout

Blue Paradise Lake

Apache Trout Cutthroat Trout

Axolotl Lake

Cutthroat Trout

Fish and Game Headquarters Pond 1

Apache Trout Brown Trout Kelp Bass Largemouth Bass Rainbow Trout

East Gallatin River

Apache Trout Cutthroat Trout

Canyon Ferry Lake

Apache Trout Kelp Bass Rainbow Trout Walleye White Perch

Beehive Lake

Apache Trout

Crow Creek

Apache Trout Lake Whitefish Mountain Whitefish Rainbow Trout

Chilled Lakes

Apache Trout Brook Trout Cutthroat Trout Lake Trout Rainbow Trout

Duck Creek (Upper Missouri Drainage)

Apache Trout Arctic Grayling Brown Trout Lake Whitefish Mountain Whitefish

Glenwood Lake

Apache Trout Brook Trout Cutthroat Trout Rainbow Trout

Leslie Lake

Apache Trout Brook Trout
                                                                                                                       
                                               

Area Boat Ramps

WEST LOOP BROADWATER COUNTY
Upper Missouri Watershed, Montana
TRAIL CREEK DAY USE
Madison Watershed, Montana
CANADAY BOAT LAUNCH
Madison Watershed, Montana
WARM SPRINGS DAY USE
Madison Watershed, Montana
MT 359 JEFFERSON COUNTY
Jefferson Watershed, Montana
POWER HOUSE BOAT LAUNCH
Madison Watershed, Montana
US 287 GALLATIN COUNTY
Jefferson Watershed, Montana
MONTANA HIGHWAY 84 MADISON COUNTY
Madison Watershed, Montana
MT 84 GALLATIN COUNTY
Madison Watershed, Montana
FALL CREEK DAY USE
Madison Watershed, Montana

Rafting & Kayaking

SNOWBANK LAKE, SEC. 4, T15N, R8W TO LANDERS FORK BLACKFOOT RIVER, SEC. 36, T15N, R8W
Blackfoot Watershed, Montana
MISSOURI RIVER
Upper Missouri Watershed, Montana
MISSOURI RIVER
Upper Missouri Watershed, Montana
MISSOURI RIVER
Upper Missouri Watershed, Montana
TENDERFOOT CREEK, SEC. 30, T14N, R4E TO DEEP CREEK, SEC. 31, T16N, R4E
Smith Watershed, Montana
MARIAS RIVER
Upper Missouri-Dearborn Watershed, Montana
HAUSER DAM, SEC. 29, T12N, R2W TO COCHRAN GULCH, SEC. 18, T12N, R2W
Upper Missouri Watershed, Montana
TOWN OF NELSON, SEC. 12, T12N, R2W TO MISSOURI RIVER, SEC. 19, T12N, R2W
Upper Missouri Watershed, Montana
HEADWATERS, SEC. 13, T18N, R10W TO FOREST BOUNDARY, SEC. 6, T17N, R7W
Upper Missouri-Dearborn Watershed, Montana
FALLS, SEC. 25, T14N, R4E TO SMITH RIVER, SEC. 25, T14N, R3E
Smith Watershed, Montana

Parks & Recreation

                                                       

Smith River State Park

Holter Lake Recreation Area

Wilderness Gates of the Mountains

Deerlodge National Forest

Womens Park

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Sluice Boxes State Park

Black Sandy State Park

Helena National Forest

Tower Rock State Park

                                                                                                                       
                                               
CHRISTENOT MILL
The Christenot Mill is a historic sawmill located in the Ruby watershed in Montana. Built in the late 1800s, the mill was operated by the Christenot family until the 1950s. ...
LOMBARD TOWNSITE
The Lombard Townsite is a historic site located in the Upper Missouri watershed of Montana. It was once a bustling town during the early 1900s, serving as a trading post ...
CRIMSON BLUFFS INTERPRETIVE SITE
The Crimson Bluffs Interpretive Site is a popular destination for tourists and visitors in Montana, located in the Upper Missouri watershed. The site is a part of the Missouri River ...

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