Fishing in the Three Forks Area
Bring your fly-fishing gear. Fishing the headwaters of the Missouri River near Three Forks provides sportspersons with hundreds of miles of accessible blue-ribbon trout fishing. The Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson, and Missouri rivers are among the world's most famous trout waters. With a snow-capped, mountainous background, fishing these clear waters captures many a fisherman's attention. The area offers views of a multitude of wildlife including great blue herons, sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks, golden and bald eagles, river otters, beaver, mink, Canada geese, whitetail and mule deer, elk, and an occasional moose highlight the panorama. All nonresidents 15 years and older are required to obtain a fishing license. A valid licensed adult must accompany anyone under 15 years of age.
The Gallatin River emerges from the canyon just above its confluence with a small feeder stream, Spanish Creek. From Spanish Creek downstream, the Gallatin River runs through a broad canyon, in the vicinity of Bozeman. The scenery is beautiful and the fishing pressure is comparatively light as access becomes more difficult. After 
emerging from the canyon, the Gallatin River primarily flows through private property for the rest of its length down to Three Forks. The forested river banks found upstream give way to a mix of cottonwood tress, low brush, grass, and agricultural land along the river for the rest of its length.
This section of the river has significantly slower currents than found upstream. It also has broad runs, some under-cut banks, and occasional pools. The valley the river flows through also is agricultural in nature, becoming more arid as the river progresses downstream. The largest trout on the Gallatin River will be found in this stretch.
Powder Horn Outfitters
Schnee's Powder Horn Outfitters offers full-day and half-day guided fishing trips on all the area rivers: Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, Big Horn, and Big Hole plus numerous smaller and private waters. Their outfitter, Jamie Benedickt, has been guiding and oufitting for more than a dozen years and has experience all over the western United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and the Gulf States. We offer full equipment rental if necessary.
Check Out Powder Horn Outfitters
Floating and Canoeing in the Three Forks Area
Floating and canoeing are favorite family outings on the waterways of the Headwaters. Camp in one of the many Fish, Wildlife, and Parks fishing access sites along the rivers. The lower twelve miles of the Gallatin River, between Gallatin Forks Access Site and Three Forks, has virtually no access. Happily, it's the one stretch of the Gallatin River that may be floated.
The current is slow, so plan any float trip accordingly.
Floaters enjoy stretches of white water and canoeists have unique opportunities to experience the spirit of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, fur traders like John Colter, and mountain men like Jim Bridger, all of whom canoed the rivers of the Headwaters.
Golfing in Three Forks
Play a round or two at the Headwaters Public Golf Course featuring a 9-hole course amid beautiful panorama views. Constructed in 1988, the golf course is used by Three Forks and Gallatin Valley residents alike. The course borders ponds where wildlife including birds, geese, deer, and turtles mingle with the golfers.
Several tournaments are held throughout the season and the course is utilized by the local high school golf team. Lessons are available and the Pro Shop rents golf cards and stocks a wide assortment of golfing equipment for sale or rent. Privately owned carts are welcome. Call (406) 285-3700 for more information.
Headwaters Golf Course
Three Forks NRA Rodeo
Join us for a great time during the Three Forks Rodeo each July. The Three Forks Rodeo offers two evenings of real rodeo action in a small-town setting. There's music, food, bull- and bronc-riding, crafts, a home-town parade, and much more. Don't miss real western hospitality in this historic Montana town. The Three Forks Rodeo and parade are held in Three Forks on the third weekend in July. The Rodeo is held at the fairgrounds. Take Interstate 90 to Three Forks, exit 278 one mile to Mail Street, then drive through town to the fairgrounds. The parade is held on Main Street on Saturday morning. For more information, call the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce at (406) 285-4753.
Three Forks High School Rodeo
Three Forks Area Recreational Facilities
Headwaters Community Fairgrounds
- US Hwy. 2, southwest edge of town. Available for public or private events.
Call 285-3431 for reservations.
Headwaters Public Golf Course
- Seventh Ave. 9 holes, club house, driving range East.
Call 285-3700 for more information.
Headwaters Trail System
- Seventh Ave. East. Jogging, walking, hiking, and biking.
Three Forks Ponds
- Northeast of town. Boating, fishing, swimming, jogging, barbecue facilities, restrooms, and beach.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
This is Montana's first state park and its park status protects many unique geological formations. features one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest. Lewis & Clark CavernsNaturally air-conditioned, these spectacular caves, lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites, date back through time. See the geologic development, the history of early exploration and gain an insight into the delicate ecology of this world without light.
The Lewis and Clark Caverns is a family-oriented hiking park. Many visitors stop for the 2-hour "Guided Cave Tours" conducted by Park Guides. The two-mile cave trail winds its way through magnificent limestone underground rooms filled with stalagmites and stalactites. The Lewis and Clark Caverns tour begins with a moderately steep up-hill hike to the entrance. Lewis & Clark State ParkOnce in the caverns, expect to get involved because as you follow your guide while exploring the chambers of the caves, the downward hiking descent demands bending and stooping with moderate fitness ability. The "Guided Cave Tours" have a small group orientation that begin hourly.
The area of Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park was passed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their way up the Jefferson River. Several Lewis and Clark campsites are nearby and accessible by canoers. The scenic river canyon cuts through the foothills of the Tobacco Root Mountains emerging into the Gallatin Valley, which is surrounded by four mountain ranges.
A cafe, gift shop, campgrounds, shady picnic areas, and regional tourism information are available. The park is open May 1-September 30 and the tours have a small fee. For information call (406) 287-3541.
The Caverns are located 15 miles southwest of Three Forks on US Highway 2.
Headwaters State Park
Headwaters State ParkThe Headwaters State Park is a hiking/bicycling park with interpretive trails and vistas that commemorate Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery Encampment in the area. This is the area where Lewis & Clark discovered the source of the Missouri River in 1805. It was later the site of Fort Three Forks, established by the Missouri Fur Company in April of 1810. The park also contains camping and picnic areas and river access for boating and fishing.
This National Historic Landmark is located 8 miles northeast of Three Forks on MT Route 286.
Headwaters Heritage Museum
Thousands of artifacts and memorabilia depicting the history of Three Forks and the Headwaters area (Willow Creek, Logan, Trident, Old Town, and Gallatin City), can be found in the Headwaters Heritage Museum. Headwaters Heritage MuseumAmong the many interesting displays on the main floor is an old anvil, all that remains of a fur trapper's trading post built in 1810. An exceptional collection of barbed wire is another exhibit. There is no charge to visit the museum. Membership, donations, memorials and gift-shop profit provide its funding. Books, souvenirs, postcards, and gifts are available in the gift shop. An all-volunteer staff keeps the museum open from June 1 through September 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is available year around by appointment. Call (406) 285-4778 for more information.
Madison Buffalo Jump Monument
This cliff was one of the larger Indian pishkun of buffalo jumps used to secure buffalo meat on a mass scale before they had the horse for hunting. Madison Buffalo JumpThe buffalo stampeded over such cliffs and were either killed outright or maimed so that they could be safely killed by Indians on foot. The Madison Buffalo Jump has attracted the attention of the nation's foremost archaeologists. The Madison Buffalo Jump is located 12 miles from Three Forks, take the Logan exit off I-90, then go 7 miles south on Buffalo Jump Road.
Parker Homestead State Park
The Parker Homestead consists of 1.67 acres and a typical sod-roofed pioneer building, and it is Montana's smallest state park. Parker Homestead State ParkIt was built and lived in by Net and Rosa Parker in the early 1900s. In 1997, it was repaired by the Parks Division of the Fish, Game, and Wildlife with the aid of local citizens to prevent further structural decline. The homestead presents a rare opportunity for photographers and the artist with its sod-roofed log cabin nestled under a few large cottonwoods.
A plaque explains the life of the Net Parker family's life on the homestead, as well as the later family of Orville Jewett. Well worth the visit for everyone interested in the early homestead life of Montana pioneers.
The park is located just a few miles southwest of Three Forks on US Highway 287.
Lewis and Clark Historic Sites
Lewis Rock - From Fort Rock looking north across the Gallatin River stands what is now called "Lewis Rock." Lewis ascended this point to view and chart the rivers and surrounding country. He writes "ascended the point of a high limestone cliff from whence I commanded a most perfect view of the neighboring country" Lewis Rock is located outside the park boundary and is on private property.
Fort Rock - As Lewis views the country, he notes "between the middle and SE fork, there is a handsome site for a fortification." This site is now called Fort Rock though a fort had never been established. Today, an excellent interpretive center and picnic area welcome travelers.
Lewis & Clark Encampment - The Corp of Discovery camped at this location from July 27-30, 1806. They stayed three days, Lewis' journal explains, "believing this to be and essential point in the geography of this western part of the continent I determined to remain at all events until obtained the necessary data for fixing its latitudes longitude.
Sacajawea Capture Site - Lewis writes, "Our present camp is precisely on the spot that the Snake Indians were encamped at the time the Mennetaree of the Knife R. first came in sight of them five years since. From hence they retreated about three miles up Jefferson's river and concealed themselves in the woods, the Mennetaree pursued, attacked them, killed 4 men, 4 women, a number of boys, and made prisoners of all the females and four boys, Sah-cah-gar-we-ah Indian woman was one of the female prisoners taken at that time; though cannot discover that she shows any inaction of sorrow in recollection this event, or of joy in being again restored to her native country' If she has enough to eat and a few trinkets to wear I believe she would be perfectly content anywhere."Hunting in the Three Forks Area
There are rifle and archery hunting seasons for elk, deer, and antelope. Goat, sheep, mountain lion, and bear hunting are also plentiful as well as upland and wetland game birds.
Camping in the Three Forks Area
Fairweather Campground
- 1 mile west of Logan on Route 205, 3 miles north on Logan-Trident Road, 7 miles northeast on Clarkston Road.
Missouri Headwaters Campground
- 3 miles east of Three Forks on Route 205, 3 miles north on Highway 286.Fishing Accesses
* Droulliard Fishing Access (six camp sites, trails, toilets, boat launch, 14-day stay limit)
* Williams Bridge
* Sappington
* Cobblestone
* Grey Cliff
* Black's Ford
* Logan Bridge
* Fairweather
* Milwaukee