If you're looking to spend a long weekend in the woods or even just a day trip with the family, you've got to check out the Lewis and Clark Trail (also known as the Clark's Fork Trail). This route follows the northern rim of the Clark's Fork Canyon, allowing glimpses into one of the nation's deepest gorges and wildest rivers – the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River. The southern exposure makes it an excellent trip to take even in the "shoulder seasons" for hiking and biking.
The trail moves along moderately with some steep descents and climbs at creek crossings. Water is generally plentiful so you don't have to haul a large supply if you plan to filter. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter high water and significant downed timber. Take care when crossing these areas – one good reason to always travel with a buddy.
The scenery is spectacular and the likelihood of spotting a variety of wildlife makes the trip doubly worthwhile. Keep an eye out for eagles soaring on the thermals above the river. Other wildlife that frequent the area include deer, elk, moose and a variety of small mammals. Fortunate travelers may even spy bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain goats perched on the cliff bands. Larger predators include mountain lions, wolves, and black and grizzly bears. Keep your guard up, make sufficient noise while traveling especially near water, and be prepared with proper supplies (see page 51 for more information).
I set out along this trail with three dear friends and our canine companionsone June weekend a couple summers ago. We were eager to escape town and our packs were laden with good eats and gear. We took our time getting from campsite to campsite, basking in the sun on large rock fields along the canyon's rim, gaping at bear tracks larger than our mud-caked boots, and bonding like girls tend to do on a shared adventure.
Our destination was the forest boundary just past Cyclone Bar, a few miles southwest of the tiny (and windy) burg of Clark where we had a shuttle vehicle waiting. The 20+ mile trip took us three days. The most punishing part of the trip was the descent from Dillworth Bench along the 4-wheel drive trail down to the Clark's Fork. It's difficult to fathom ATVs roaring up and down this section but it's done quite frequently. While we suffered our way down the steep, rocky switchbacks, we longingly peered at the river below and gratefully took an extended lunch break at the bottom to soak our tired feet.
The Lewis and Clark Trail is a great outing either by foot or bike. The entire route is outside the North Absaroka Wilderness so outdoor enthusiasts are welcome to pedal all or portions of the trip. I've done both and have fond memories of each experience. Another option is a five mile, out-and-back day hike to the footbridge over Beartooth Creek for a brief taste of what this area has to offer.
Amy Quick first came to Cody more than a decade ago and enjoys discovering and sharing local lore and spending as much time playing outside as possible.
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