Overlook near Lewis & Clark Caverns
State Park.

The trails of Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park allow the visitor to enjoy and experience many aspects of the park above and beyond the caverns. There are over 3,000 acres of terrain with almost 1,600 vertical feet. The trail system covers about 10 miles with over 1,000 feet in elevation change. The two main trails are rather strenuous with considerable elevation gain or loss, but there are others that provide a more relaxing walk through the park.

Easy Trails

For those looking for a less challenging hike, the short Nature Loop trail located at the upper picnic area is a pleasant quarter mile walk with signs to identify some of the flora. This short trail offers some of the best wildflower viewing in the park. From the campground the Fishing Access Trail (map 854 KB) can take you a leisurely 1.3 miles down to the riverside for fishing, swimming or just a reflective moment by the scenic Jefferson River. In the evening, this trail provides one of the best chances to see mule deer and many birds.

WARNING: Watch for rattlesnakes in the tall grass.

Moderate Trails

The Greer Gulch Loop Trail (map 854 KB) extends the Nature Loop to a 2-mile trail with over 400 feet of elevation gain and loss. It offers a broad panorama from a ridge top with a great view of the nearby peaks of the Tobacco Root Mountains. In June you have a chance to see bitterroot flowers in bloom. From the campground you can take a wonderful short side trip on the historic Danmore Gypsum Mine Trail (map 854 KB). The mine opening (adit) can still be viewed from the trailside with an interpretive sign providing historical and geological information. The Danmore Mine Trail is accessed from the north side of the campground. This rolling hike covers nearly 2 miles round trip.

Strenuous Trails

The Cave Gulch Trail (map 854 KB) offers something for those a little more adventurous. It gains nearly 1,000 feet elevation in 1.9 miles from the campground up to the park’s main visitor center. Cave Gulch Trail is the steepest trail and offers the closest route to the hike taken by Dan Morrison and early cave visitors. The East Side Trail (map 856 KB) has the same start and destination as the Cave Gulch Trail with over twice the distance traveled and 350 extra feet of elevation loss and gain along the way. This trail winds along 4.5 miles of the east side of the park before reaching the visitor center. This trail features much of the Douglas Fir forest that covers the north facing slopes of the park, providing a much more shaded route. An entire day can be spent on the Grand Loop (map 857 KB) a 6.4 mile hike that starts and finishes at either the visitor center or campground and includes the entire Cave Gulch and Eastside Trails.

Mountain Bikers

These trails are intended for hiking and the future of mountain biking on these trails depends on how they are used. Please be courteous of other users. Always yield to foot traffic. Please avoid cross cutting switchbacks, and be sure to stay on trails. Trail erosion problems could lead to loss of biking privileges in the park, so please avoid riding wet trails.