Meriwether Canyon Trail

If you’ve always wanted to take a boat to the trailhead, the Meriwether Canyon Trail is for you. Beginning on the banks of the Missouri River east of Helena, this moderately difficult trail switchbacks into the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, made famous by the breathless descriptions of Meriwether Lewis. After a long climb, the trail flattens out and opens up to great views of Sacagawea Mountain and the valley below. From the summit, enjoy the long downhill back to the banks of the Missouri and the boat shuttle back to the west bank. Photo by Bob Giltrap