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Parks Logo Missouri Headwaters

State Park on the Madison River

Easy AccessibilityEasy Accessibility

 
 

 
Open: Jan 1 - Dec 31
Size: 532 acres
Elevation: 4045 ft
Nearest Town: Three Forks

Camp where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805! This park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers. The Lewis and Clark Expedition anticipated this important headwaters all the way up the Missouri River in 1804 and 1805.

An easy three-mile drive off Interstate 90 at Three Forks, this park provides outdoor interpretive signs, picnic spots, short hiking trails, a small campground, and a rental tipi. The Saturday night speaker series showcases top notch presenters for your learning enjoyment.

For more information about Missouri Headwaters State Park, read Confluence of Cultures, a 2004 Montana Outdoors article.

Download the Missouri Headwaters State Park brochure.

Check out the current weather conditions in Three Forks.

Educators, this Indian Education For All Lesson Plan contains Social Studies, Science, and Technology content for 4th graders.

Fees

Missouri Headwaters State Park is located on the Madison River .  Blackbird is the next access site up stream from Missouri Headwaters. 

Directions
Directions

4 miles northeast of Three Forks, off of Hwy 205, then onto Hwy 286.
(Lat 45.92, Lng -111.5)

Contact Information
Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Missouri Headwaters, 1585 Trident Road Three Forks, MT  59752  or call (406) 285-3610 .

Restrictions & Closures
Restrictions & Closures
Pet Restriction
Leash required.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 days allowed.
Vehicle Length
Combined Length of unit is 35 ft.
Activities
Activities
  • Easy Accessibility
    Boating - The next takout is at Fairweather FAS approximately 8 miles downstream.
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Fishing
  • Easy Accessibility
    Camping
  • Easy Accessibility
    Picnicking
  • Bicycling
  • Easy Accessibility
    Group Use
  • Hiking
  • Interpretive Programs - Saturday Speaker Series: A series of programs that are presented each Saturday evening, June through August, on topics ranging from Native American culture, Lewis & Clark, and Montana history. Programs are held at the picnic area of the park starting at 7 pm.
  • Photography
Boat Services
Boat Services
  • Ramp (Concrete) - Day use only area.
Campground
Campground
  • Camp Host
  • Campground
  • Group Site
  • RV/Trailer Site
  • Tent/RV Site
  • Tipi - More information about tipi rentals.
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
  • Information Kiosk/Map - Interpretive Rangers can assist with questions and guide visitors to points of interest within the park.
  • Information Kiosk/Map
Picnic Site
Picnic Site
  • Fire Ring
  • Grill (Ring)
  • Picnic Table
Sanitation/Water
Sanitation/Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Pack in/Pack out
  • Toilet (Flush)
  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Water (Pressurized)
Trail
Trail
  • Hiking Trail - Approximately 4 miles of walking trails that lead visitors through open meadows, along rivers and onto vista points.
  • Interpretive Trail
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

These locations represent physical occurrences (visually confirmed) within the boundaries of the site. Many more species may be present in the area which are not listed because we do not have a visually confirmed record. If you would like to report a species sighting, a form is available.

Abundance Codes
Common Abundance = Common   Uncommon Abundance = Uncommon   Rare Abundance = Rare  
Incidental Occurrence = Incidental   Historic Occurrence = Historic Occurrence   Abundance Unknown = Unknown Abundance