Access to our rivers and streams can be found at state Fishing Access Sites, other state and federal lands (unless regulated otherwise), as well as within state or county road right-of-ways at bridge crossings. Bring warm and dry clothes, and make sure you can keep them dry until you need them. Jefferson River Canoe Trail Overview Day One: Twin Bridges to Silver Star Montana's Stream Access Law Rights and Responsibilities of Landowners and Recreationists. Leave no trace of your passing so that other explorers can feel as if they are first ones to come this way. © 1997 - 2019 Thomas J. Elpel. Principles of No-Trace CampingLeave the land as Lewis and Clark would have found it 200 years ago(Adapted from the 7 Leave No Trace Principles from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics). The Jefferson is a large river that is formed by the confluence of the Beaverhead and the Bighole in Twin Bridges. From a slow, lazy float to a more exhilarating ride, the adventure you’ll have will depend on the river (and which part of the river) you enjoy. Before you Go Montana's Stream Access Law was passed by the Montana legislature in 1985 after a landmark Montana Supreme Court case determined that our rivers and streams were open to public use up to the ordinary high water mark. In fact, the Jefferson River is a segment of the larger Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, administered by our National Park Service. Guests often decide on the length of the trip by the time they will be on the water ( 3 hours, 4 hours, or 6 hours). This imaginary scenario is all too real. So get out the field guides and get on the river, and experience it in a way you never have before! If you must build a fire, choose a safe location, and if possible, use a fire pan or an existing fire ring. But amazingly, the field is full of scraggly-looking plants, and the soil is half-barren. *Do not dispose of any trash other than paper and cardboard in the fire. Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers near Twin Bridges. Be sure to bring a trash bag to collect any debris you find along Most of the houses and developed areas become invisible from your viewpoint on the river. Minimize Campfire Impacts By respecting private property, recreationists can earn a mutual respect, and maybe one day, when the "No Trespassing" signs decay and fall off the fences, landowners may not be in such a hurry to put them back up. Mayflower Bridge provides an access point about 2/3 of the way on this float if you're pressed… River Fun. A tracker might notice the passing of a mink or raccoon in the mud along the shore, or note the perch of an owl by the remains of the mice in the owl pellets on the ground below. This diversion dam is now as big or bigger than the dam at Parson's Bridge. But a beaver cut down the tree before Clark and his party Lewis noted the snowcapped peaks of the Highlands and Tobacco Root Mountains The Beaverhead River produces more large brown trout than any other river in the state of Montana. worth the extra time. Along the Jefferson River, emerging patches of knapweed threaten to reduce wildlife forage while turning nice recreational sites into scratchy weed patches. Twin Bridges offers a grocery store, gas, restaurants, motel rooms and cabins, fishing tackle and outfitters, and a new Sacagawea park at the fairgrounds. We have a lame crew just now.” Diversity of habitat allows for diversity of wildlife, and you will find just about everything along the river from painted turtles and rattlesnakes to sandhilll cranes and yellow warblers, beavers and otters, foxes and coyotes, deer and moose,-even the occassional black bear. From its source near Twin Bridges to its confluence with the Madison at Missouri Headwaters State Park, the Jefferson is one of the primary water sources for this section of the state. * Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow-sites that will not be damaged by use. When thinking about the Jefferson, a Class 1 river for recreational enjoyment, most observers view the river in three distinct sections. instead of flowing around it. zone. The float on the North Santiam and Santiam River, from Greens Bridge to Jefferson, is typically packed with inner tubers during hot summer days, but after numerous trees fell into the river … Jefferson River Map and Fishing Access Sites. easement on the north face of the London Hills to protect the viewshed as seen from the The Osage River is the 8th largest river in Missouri. The trail is managed by the Jefferson River Canoe Trail Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. If a landowner puts a fence or other structure across a stream, such as a float-over cable or a float-through gate, and it does not interfere with the recreational use of the water, the public does not have the right to go above the ordinary high water mark to portage. There is a wooden diversion dam on the Beaverhead River, which can usually be floated over on the left side. Imagine for a moment that as a child you lived near an open field and a creek, and every day you took your dog there for a walk. The river is a quality trout fishery in the upper … * Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products or use natural toilet paper alternatives such as leaves or smooth stones. E-Mail, Return to Thomas J. Elpel's Web World Portal | Web World Tunnel The ordinary high water mark is the line that water impresses on the land by covering it for sufficient time to cause different characteristics below the line. Altering a site is not necessary. Whatever your preference- … Wildlife and FlowersSee and Experience More on the River. Recreational Use that you encounter. * Keep in mind that if you do accidentally start a fire, you may be required to pay for the expense of putting it out! * Avoid introducing/transporting non-native species. The deer are very familiar with the different alarm calls of the birds, so they can know you are coming long before they see you. The economic viability of the land is nearly destroyed, and the recreation opportunities are greatly diminished. * Let nature's sounds prevail. Caution: Outdoor recreation is potentially hazardous, and you could be seriously injured or killed while recreating along the Jefferson River. A geologist will see the river in a very different way than a botanist, an entomologist, a fly fisherman, a tracker, a historian, or a bird expert. and recorded, “The tops of these mountains were yet partially covered They cut fences, drove through pastures, and trashed the land. So you load the kids and their dog in the car and take them back home to show them your old haunt. Stop and survey the situation before reaching the dam, or better yet, drive to it before your float. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed. This notice must be placed at each outer gate and at all normal points of access to the property and wherever a stream crosses an outer boundary line. Great time, the river is very shallow most of the time, so if there was a problem, you could just get out and stand up if needed. Recreationists respected the land and landowners were generally glad to see people out having a good time engaged in constructive activities. Only you can responsible for your own actions and safety. * To wash dishes, please carry water 200 feet away from the river and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. A robin, for example, will squawk and fly straight up when people are walking through the woods. The Jefferson offers an easy float, with a slow moving current and no rapids found anywhere on the river. Float Camp Picnic Area is located only 150 feet from the cool waters of the crystal clear Current River and nestled under a mature forest of hardwoods which offers plentiful shade. © 1997 - 2019 Thomas J. Elpel. At first it may seem like a bit of work to identify things you know nothing about, but success breeds success. 4 Hour Float Area Still water floating around Jefferson Springs Rec Area ~ under the bridge, near the shore, grilling and bathrooms. Once in awhile, big parties of floaters take to the river with tubes, with sometimes in excess of a hundred vehicles parked at Sappington Bridge and along the highway, but that only happens a few times a summer. Together we can make a difference! Stay overnight if you can, or paddle on downriver to the end. Floaters may need to paddle upstream from the launch to get back to the main river channel. The explorers did not know the caverns were there when they passed through, but Lewis noted the “tremendous clifts of ragged and nearly perpendicular rocks on August 1st, 1805. The Gallatin flows into it shortly afterwards. You may not feel thirsty when exercising in cool, damp weather, or when playing in the water in hot dry weather. You gather up your kids and dogs at the end of the walk, and everyone has scratchy seeds stuck into their clothing or fur. To retain our remaining privileges of using private lands, and to regain the privilege of using lands that have been closed, recreationists must demonstrate good stewardship and courtesy towards landowners at all times. An irrigation diversion dam at this spot used to consist of a small pile of round rocks in the river, easily floatable, but as the river channel has dug deeper, the dam has been built higher. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. The deer pay attention to the alarm calls ofthe birds. By 1920 the plant was well established in several infestations near Missoula, and it has since spread to 5 million acres across the state (literally billions of plants). From Kountz bridge to Cardwell the river flows though cottonwood bottoms with a lot of braiding, islands and channels. Floaters will be able to stop to enjoy the remote Bring sunblock and layers to protect exposed skin. A trout-chaser's delight. Price $46.95. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished. The Caverns Campground is a nice place to camp, but too far from the river to be of practical use to floaters. In the case of a metal fence post, the entire post must be painted. Bring a first aid kit and a cell phone, if available. At Bass’ River Resort, we know there’s more than one way to enjoy the river. The Jefferson River is an important part of a system of rivers that combine to form the majestic Missouri. From Philosophy River it is a pleasant float through cottonwoods and farmlands on down the river. for Sacagawea’s people and tried to determine the best river route Stop * Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes. Courtesy and Respect They tipped a Canyon Corner consists of a strip of BLM along both sides of the river. Floaters can choose a fast pace, paddling the trail in three to four days, or a slower pace, paddling half days to experience more of the available backcountry campsites and riverside activities along the way. All it takes is a little bit of effort from everyone that uses the river. Anglers should remember that special regulations apply in the Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area on the 22 miles of river between Hooten Town bridge (the Loop Road at Route O) and the Highway 413/Highway 265 bridge at Galena. While many paddle just for a day, others prefer canoe camping or guided trips. If you harvest wild edible plants or mushrooms, do so sustainably, taking only a few and leaving the rest to propagate. GO TO MAP. Jefferson River fishing is overlooked by many visiting anglers. * Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. It makes a pretty background, but not the sort of thing you pay much attention to. Downstream you will soon pass under a * Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. It can be portaged on either side. This large pile of boulders across the river could cause a bad accident. Avoid loud voices and noises, and leave radios at home. In all cases, recreationists must keep portages to a minimum, and should realize that landowners may place fences and other barriers across streams for purposes of land or water management or to establish land ownership, if otherwise allowed by law. The Stream Access Law helped to define the rights and responsibilities of landowners and recreationists. At Antelope Creek today you will hear the endless buzz of the nearby Luzenac America talc plant. We cannot take for granted that the landscapes we knew as children will still be there for our own kids. A Montana state lands recreational permit is required. Leafy spurge has already become firmly established along the entire length of the Jefferson River. On August 4th, 1805, Lewis and a small party of men on foot scouted The nights are so cold that two blankets are not more than River systems are especially susceptible to weed problems, since the seeds float downriver to colonize new lands. Sand and gravel bars, devoid of vegetation from repeated flooding, are clearly within the high-water mark. You liked to watch the cows and the deer and you fished in the creek. permitting, it is possible to skip the Sunlight Islands and float all the way Lewis & Clark camped here on July 31st, 1805. The Jefferson River Canoe Trail is suitable for half-day, all-day, or multi-day float trips. canoe on the way down, soaking some of their powder and losing some gear. Otherwise, it may be necessary to hug the right bank and tow your boat down over the rocks or portage on the left side, where you will carry gear and canoes through a narrow walkway to get over the irrigation ditch. The Stream Access Law allows for overnight camping within the ordinary high water mark on the states larger rivers, including the Jefferson, but only when camping is considered necessary for the enjoyment of the water resource AND it is done out of sight of, or more than 500 yards from, any occupied dwelling. * Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. But some incoming landowners, unaware of Montana's tradition of openness, posted their lands to keep people out. Canoes can be rented from Al Anderson at the Canoeing House, 11227 US Hwy. Canyon Corner is near the road, but remarkably quiet. The Jefferson is 83 miles long. * Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience along the river. Avoid using campfires in dry conditions, or keep a shovel and bucket of water handy for an immediate response if you do have a fire. Stay in the main channel, and avoid the irrigation diversion on the right side near Hells Canyon. * Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. FLOATING CAMPING MAP PAVILLION Cabin BOOK NOW FLOATING CAMPING MAP PAVILLION Cabin BOOK NOW. Those that are in bloom, or have already gone to seed, should be hauled out to the trash in bags, being careful not to spread seeds along the way. * Know the regulations and special concerns for each place you visit. Notice denying entry must consist of a written notice or of notice by painting a post, structure, or natural object with at least 50 square inches of fluorescent orange paint. Liability reclamation contouring of the Golden Sunlight mine to the north. BLM lands suitable for camping are marked as Canoe Trail campsites on the maps. For optimal wildlife viewing, try getting out on the river as early as possible, the closer to sunrise the better. Meanwhile, the fly fisherman might be attunded to the insects in and around the water, noting subtle differences in the river to know the best places to land the right kind of fly to hook a big brown trout. Every day across the U.S., invasive weeds spread to over 4,600 new acres of public lands. PO Box 697 They traveled a very difficult mile up the Big Two miles down river from Point of Rocks, you will see the massive stone walls of Parrot Castle on the right bank, the remains of an early smelter used to process ore from local mines. This nebulous definition is open to some interpretation. Weather and water levels We kayaked this river from Fulton Reeves Rd Bridge back to New RIver Outfitters, about 3-3 1/2 miles. Watch out for the diversion dam on the downstream end of this island. Camping is presently allowed only at a few patches of BLM land along the river, as well as within the high water mark, as allowed for by Montana's Stream Access Law. You notice more, and when you notice more, you ultimately care more, and that is the key to making a real and tangible difference to sustain our wildlife and wild places for future generations to discover and appreciate in their time. An easy view off all Shenandoah River Public access points. springs, but avoid coming on the weekends when the site can turn into a party Nature is a lot like wallpaper. Use this to plan your next canoe trip. You too can learn skills such as these to enhance your experiences in nature. This would be an ideal spot for a future campsite, but is presently in private hands. Dispose of Waste Properly Fish, Wildlife, and Parks wanted an easement across the land for public hiking access up Sheep Gulch, but the land was fenced and marked with "No Trespassing" signs in 2015. Spotted knapweed for example, forms a relationship with a soil fungus that enables the plant to steal carbon away from nearby grasses, reducing their ability to compete. At low water levels you may be able to hop out on shallow ground in the middle of the river and tow your canoe over the rocks. Most present-day travelers will prefer to follow the trail in reverse, floating down the Jefferson River in search of fun and fishing. Clark National Historic Trail from the three forks of the Missouri at The Beaverhead River begins at Clark Canyon Dam, near Dillon, and flows for 80 miles to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Attend to the fire at all times and be sure it is completely out and reclaimed to its natural condition before leaving. Point of Rocks is an informal campsite on BLM lands and a good place to The Stream Access Law allows water users to go above the ordinary high water mark if necessary to portage around artificial barriers, but must do so in the least intrusive manner possible, avoiding damage to the landowner's property and violation of his or her rights. Get yourself and the kids out of the house and go exploring. the rivers. 80 miles in length, the Jefferson makes its way through private farm and ranch land, to the confluence with the Madison and the Gallatin Rivers in Three Forks, Montana, forming the Missouri River. The watershed includes an area of east-central Kansas and a large portion of west-central and central Missouri where it drains northwest areas of the Ozark Plateau. Throughout the day you can see the landmark called Point of Rocks at arrived there on August 5th. Plan your shuttle in advance, so you have a way of getting back to your vehicle, and don't take on more than you can in the allotted time. * Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use, but make sure there is enough water to float the river. Paddle quietly and keep your voices down. Solitude and the chance of a trophy trout is a reason to fly fish on the Jefferson River. Equally tragic is the fact that few people would notice the difference if we lose half of all life on earth, since few people know what is around them right now. That is a different alarm call than it gives for other threats in the woods, such as a hawk flying overhead. No need to be snowed in yourself. Lewis & Clark spent three days Visitors enjoy floating the river… Find your float! Just moments downstream from “Canyon Corner ”, you cannot miss the man-made, but very alluring cave at the Sheep Gulch gypsum quarry. Most weary river travelers will skip the camping and exit the river at Missouri Headwaters FAS just downstream from the confluence with the Gallatin River. But then you grew up, moved away, got a job, and raised a family. The information included on this website does not cover all possible hazards and cannot replace sound judgement and good decision-making skills. The result of this lack of respect was that in the span of about twenty-five years, Montana changed from being a culture without boundaries to a culture where nearly everything is posted. This diversion dam is the only hazard on the river. Invasive foreign weeds spread fast, crowding out native plants, reducing forage capacity for stock and wildlife, and increasing soil erosion. * Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. * Pack it in, pack it out. 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