Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
buff. The park is a large grassy area with a tree-lined creek that occupies about 50 acres.
Historically it was a resting place for Native Americans, who would set up camp here before
crossing the Bitterroot Mountains; it is also where Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery
camped twice, in September 1805 and June 1806. They named the creek nearby “Travel-
lers Rest.” In 2002 an archaeological team discovered physical evidence that confirmed the
campsite had been used by the Corps of Discovery—it's the only Lewis and Clark camp-
site with verified physical evidence, which came in the form of high mercury levels. It was
determined from the Corps's journals that the men were given mercury pills, which caused
immediate evacuation of their bowels, to cure any number of ailments. The high mercury
content of the soil was limited to a pit that served as the latrine. A kitchen was discovered
Army regulation distance away. It was also at this campsite that Lewis and Clark decided
to part ways on their return journey east.
The
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
(4567 Wildfowl Ln., 406/777-5552,
www.fws.gov/leemetcalf
,
dawn-dusk year-round) is located about 30 miles south of Mis-
soula on U.S. Highway 93 in Stevensville, along the Bitterroot River. It was established in
1963 by locals in response to the negative effects on wildlife habitat caused by ranches,
farms, and the logging industry, and it was named after a local U.S. senator who was ded-
icated to the conservation movement. Its main purpose is as a refuge for migratory birds,
including ospreys, eagles, and hawks. Larger animals such as white-tailed deer and coyotes
can be spotted in the area as well. In the summer, after the nesting season has finished, a
two-mile hiking trail that loops through the wildlife viewing area is opened; there are two
shorter trails open year-round. Wildfowl Lane, a county road, runs through the refuge and
provides many viewing opportunities from the car.
Known primarily for the beautifully preserved mission built by Belgian-born Jesuit priest
Pierre-Jean De Smet, Stevensville (population 1,820, elevation 3,370 feet) is surrounded
by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains and the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.
It provides superb access to hiking, biking, and fishing for outdoor enthusiasts. The town's
history comes to life at Fort Owen, St. Mary's Mission, and the Stevensville Museum.
