Explore Southwest Montana's Jefferson River Valley

There’s much to explore in this pastoral valley, about 50 miles west of Bozeman.

The Jefferson River is a well-known section of river explored by Lewis and Clark. The river, named by Lewis and Clark for the third president, Thomas Jefferson (their patron at the time) was intended to be called the Jefferson from down near Dillon all the way up to Three Forks. However, the upper section from Dillon to Twin Bridges was re-named the Beaverhead at a later time. Still, the 77 mile section from Twin Bridges to Three Forks is an incredible stretch for bird watching and fishing, and is a great float to take by canoe and experience a bit of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Between Whitehall and Three Forks, a small side trip takes you to Lewis and Clark Caverns, a Montana State Park well worth a visit. Montana’s first State Park is an underground extravaganza of stalagmites, stalactites, columns and caves. The 2-mile guided tour is naturally air-conditioned and takes about two hours to complete. It’s a perfect break on a hot summer’s day!

Here’s a good website for more information about the Lewis and Clark Trail: http://www.lewis-clark.org/

For the more adventurous—and perhaps for a cooler day—a nice afternoon might be spent soaking at Renova Hot Springs outside of Whitehall. Two hot water springs seep into a side channel of the Jefferson River just a few miles south of Whitehall, along Point of Rocks Road. Volunteers have built rock pools around the seeps in the river channel so the hot water and the cool river water mix together to create soaking pools in the 110- to 120-degree range. The stars need to be perfectly aligned, so to speak, so cross your fingers that the river water is flowing at the right level and the right temperature to create the perfect soak. It’s a primitive hot springs, and frequently you can have the place to yourself.

Don’t forget the recreation opportunities in the upper elevations provided by the rugged Tobacco Root Mountains. With 26 peaks over 10,000 feet high, serious mountain climbers and easy family hikers have plenty to explore. This mountain range is about 26 miles long and 18 miles wide and provides nearly unlimited opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, camping, hunting and more.

Here’s a great youtube video of some hiking scenes in the Tobacco Roots:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCbmz1p4qNw&feature=related

Glacier Sothebys has a new listing in the Jefferson River valley, for those intrigued by this area off the beaten path. Check out the Jefferson River Ranch for a beautiful vacation retreat or year-round residence. It’s truly a luxury home and is ready for horses too!
http://www.bridahamcollection.com/property/jefferson-river-ranch/