CLARK’S LOOKOUT OVERVIEW Clark's Lookout State Park is a culturally, historically and geographically significant state park located one mile north of Dillon, Montana.. PLANNING TEAM MEM
INTRODUCTION
Clark's Lookout State Park, located one mile north of Dillon, Montana, is a site of cultural, historical, and geographical significance spanning 7.23 acres Perched atop a 35-foot limestone outcrop on the north bank of the Beaverhead River, the park offers stunning views from an elevation of 5,100 feet The promontory is formed from Madison limestone, a Paleozoic marine deposit from the Mississippian System, exposed by erosion over centuries The surrounding terrain slopes in multiple directions, featuring native grasses, prickly pear cactus, and ground cover, with outcroppings of limestone adding to its geological interest Nearby, a north-south ridge reaches approximately 5,700 feet in elevation, approximately one mile west of the park.
Clark’s Lookout is a historically significant site along the Lewis and Clark expedition route, marking the location where William Clark conducted important observations on August 13, 1805 This site is one of the few verified locations where Clark personally stood and made navigational measurements, including compass readings to Beaver's Head, the course of the Wisdom River (Big Hole River), and the mountain pass Clark described the site as a “high point of limestone rock on the Stard Side (of the river),” highlighting its strategic vantage point Today, Clark’s Lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its importance in American exploration history.
Thomas Jefferson was deeply interested in the vast western lands beyond the Mississippi River and was concerned that France or England might seize this territory, hindering the westward expansion of the United States.
When Thomas Jefferson became president, he took proactive steps to explore the western territories of the United States He sought and gained congressional approval for a westward expedition, coinciding with the news from his ministers in France in early 1803 about the Louisiana Purchase treaty Jefferson appointed Meriwether Lewis to lead the expedition, expanding the plan and increasing the size of the team Recognizing the risks involved, Jefferson deemed it wise to appoint a co-leader; Lewis chose William Clark, a skilled Kentucky frontiersman, instructing him to recruit experienced woodsmen for the journey.
The expedition was assigned to the U.S Army, with leaders and men enlisted under the War Department President Jefferson named the team the Corps of Discovery and outlined their mission to explore the Missouri River and its principal tributaries His instructions emphasized finding the most direct and practical water route across the continent to facilitate commerce, connecting the Missouri River to the waters of the Pacific Ocean for the first time.
Also included in the instructions was the following:
Begin your navigation at the mouth of the Missouri River by taking precise observations of latitude and longitude at all notable landmarks Focus on key locations such as river mouths, rapids, islands, and distinctive natural features that can be reliably identified in the future These natural markers should be characterized by durable features to ensure long-term recognition Between these marked points, the river's course can be accurately mapped using compass readings to provide a reliable navigation reference.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition left its winter camp at Wood River, Illinois, on May 14,
In the summer of 1804, they journeyed up the Missouri River to the Mandan Indian villages near present-day Bismarck, North Dakota, where they established winter quarters until spring 1805 In early spring 1805, they hired Touissant Charbonneau as a guide and interpreter, enhancing their expedition’s navigation On April 7, 1805, they departed from the Mandan villages alongside Charbonneau, his wife Sacajawea, and their son Jean Baptiste, marking a significant milestone in their exploration.
On April 27, 1805, the expedition progressed up the Missouri River to its junction with the Yellowstone River Facing challenges such as bear encounters, prickly pear cactus obstacles, mosquitoes, and the powerful Great Falls of the Missouri, they persevered through difficult conditions Ultimately, they reached the Three Forks of the Missouri on July 25, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
1805 Here Sacajawea, a Shoshoni Indian who had been captured by the Minnetare Indians at the Three Forks about five years earlier, began to recognize the surroundings (4)
The Lewis and Clark Expedition aimed to find a route up the river's headwaters and across the mountains to the Pacific Ocean Clark identified the North Fork of the Missouri River as the most promising path, noting that it carried the most water among the three rivers that formed the Missouri River This crucial discovery guided the expedition's journey toward the Pacific Coast.
Upon arriving at the Three Forks, Lewis observed that the middle fork and the southwest fork (Clark's North Fork) were of equal size, leading to the suggestion that the name "Missouri" should be discontinued After consulting with the team, the captains decided to rename the forks in honor of Thomas Jefferson, the esteemed President of the United States: the middle fork as Madison's River, the southeast fork as Gallatin's River, and the southwest fork as Jefferson's River.
On July 30, 1805, the party departed from the Three Forks, embarking on their challenging journey up Jefferson's River As they progressed, the river's smaller size and numerous rapids made navigation increasingly difficult With no accessible banks in most areas, the explorers often had to wade into the water to push and pull their canoes upstream, exemplifying the arduous nature of their expedition.
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502 Bad GatewayUnable to reach the origin service The service may be down or it may not be responding to traffic from cloudflared
Clark, in charge of the remainder of the party, continued up Jefferson's River (present day Beaverhead River) with the boats and passed the rock Sacajawea called the Beaver's Head
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502 Bad GatewayUnable to reach the origin service The service may be down or it may not be responding to traffic from cloudflared
At noon, they were drenched by a thunderstorm that lasted half an hour In all, they traveled twelve miles by water and gained four miles by land that day (8)
Overview
Work on the Clark’s Lookout Management Plan began in 1998, focusing on gathering public input for site development Over 220 surveys were distributed to Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage members, landowners, and agency contacts, with additional outreach through news releases encouraging public participation By December 1998, 96 surveys were returned, revealing a strong preference for minimal development The top desired improvements included directional and interpretive signing, parking facilities, a hiking trail to the summit, and an interpretive brochure Some respondents supported maintaining the site with no development or suggested additional amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and garbage cans.
A multi-disciplinary planning team was formed, consisting of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff from various divisions, Lewis and Clark Camp Fortunate Chapter members, and community representatives Team members were carefully selected based on their leadership skills, community standing, collaborative spirit, and genuine interest in the park and management planning process This diverse and dedicated group was assembled to develop effective, mutually beneficial solutions for the park's future.
The planning team thoroughly analyzed public input to identify key issues related to the site They defined the project’s mission, vision, and desired outcomes to guide the planning process After establishing clear goals, they developed and evaluated alternative solutions to ensure the most effective approach.
Bannack, Clark’s Lookout and Beaverhead Rock State Parks Manager
Jerry Walker, Regional Park Manager (Region 3)
Lynn Anderson, Lewis and Clark Coordinator, BLM
Jeff Erickson, Parks Division-Outdoor Recreation Planner
Ken Soderberg, Parks Division Visitor Services Bureau Chief
Mike Horn, Fish, Wildlife and Parks Landscape Architect
Tom Lowe, Bannack, Clark’s Lookout and Beaverhead Rock State Parks Assistant Manager Shawn Speaker, Bannack, Clark’s Lookout and Beaverhead Rock State Parks Maintenance Worker
Garth Haugland, Beaverhead County Commissioner
Dan Pence, Camp Fortunate Chapter Member
Dan Scott, Camp Fortunate Chapter Member
Lois Pence, Camp Fortunate Chapter Member
Bill Kolar, Camp Fortunate Chapter Member
Mike McGinley, Beaverhead County Commissioner
Al & Kathy Epperson, Park Neighbors
Rick Hartz, Beaverhead County Planner
This management plan is designed to protect and enhance the park’s vital resources by establishing long-term goals, objectives, strategies, and policies that address operations, management, maintenance, land issues, capital projects, visitor services, and resource protection It ensures that park use and management align with the resource’s capacity, safeguarding its natural and cultural assets The plan incorporates the Master Site Plan and Basic Interpretive Plan, which will be updated through amendments as they are finalized.
The Management Plan will be developed following the steps outlined in the State Park Management Plan Process, ensuring a structured and effective approach It aims to achieve four key program outcomes: the protection and enhancement of resources, exceeding visitor expectations, promoting education and interpretation, and supporting tourism and economic stability While an Environmental Assessment (EA) will not be conducted for the overall management plan, it will be completed for specific projects required during plan implementation to address environmental considerations.
D PLANNING TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES, AUTHORITY, RESOURCES, CONSTRAINTS & OPERATION PROCEDURES
The following were the responsibilities of the planning team:
1 Provide input on the park mission, vision and goals
2 Provide input on the management planning process
3 Consider budget needs for the planning process
4 Assist with planning and conducting public scoping
5 Plan and design any additional information/data collection method
6 Prepare and write various components of the plan and combine into plan draft
7 Provide critical internal review and facilitate review by Regional Supervisor and Parks Division Administrator
The planning team's authority is outlined by the State Park Management Planning Process, which sets clear roles and steps for the committee to follow This structured process ensures effective guidance and coordination throughout the planning initiative The designated timeline for completing the plan is detailed in Appendix #2, providing a clear schedule for project milestones Additionally, Appendix #3 includes the Planning Process sign-off sheet, formalizing approval and commitment to the outlined steps and responsibilities.
E ARRIVING AT THE RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
To develop effective actions and policies, the planning team first established criteria aligned with the park’s mission, vision, and goals Using Fish, Wildlife, and Parks guidelines alongside public input, they identified key focus areas This process resulted in the creation of the Clark’s Lookout Mission, Vision, and Outcomes, ensuring that future initiatives are targeted and goal-oriented.
The initial planning step for Clark’s Lookout State Park was to establish a shared vision of its purpose and mission The park’s mission statement defines what the park does, for whom, and why, serving as its fundamental rationale for existence It articulates the park’s core purpose within the broader goals of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Parks Division, ensuring alignment with state conservation and recreational objectives.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Mission
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks oversees the stewardship of Montana’s fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources Through the dedicated efforts of its employees and citizen commission, it aims to protect and conserve these natural assets This commitment not only preserves Montana's rich natural heritage but also enhances the quality of life for current and future generations.
The system's mission is to preserve a representative diversity of the state's natural, cultural, and recreational resources, while offering educational and interpretive programs It aims to promote sustainable economic development by fostering responsible tourism and resource stewardship.
CLARK'S LOOKOUT STATE PARK MISSION
Clark’s Lookout State Park aims to offer a well-maintained, rustic site that faithfully interprets the Lewis and Clark Expedition, highlighting local landmarks, geography, and the area's natural and cultural history Visitors, both locals and tourists, can retrace William Clark’s footsteps and experience the same sights he observed, providing an authentic connection to this historic journey.
A compelling vision statement offers a clear and inspiring image of the park’s future, building on its mission to define what the park aspires to become It serves as a guiding statement that outlines the desired future environment, ensuring alignment and motivation for all stakeholders An effective vision statement helps communicate the park's long-term goals and inspires ongoing development towards that envisioned future.
In 2020, the Montana State Park system will better showcase the state's natural, cultural, historic, and recreational diversity through increased geographic balance and expanded park types, including waterways, railtrails, and historic routes The system aims to offer diverse facilities, experiences, and programs tailored to evolving visitor interests, with enhanced educational and interpretive opportunities Staff will focus on improving resource protection, maintenance, planning, and visitor information, ensuring consistency and professionalism across all parks Adequate funding will support high-quality experiences that exceed visitor expectations statewide Ultimately, Montana’s state parks will become an integral part of daily life, providing affordable, welcoming spaces where residents and visitors from all backgrounds feel comfortable and engaged.
Clark’s Lookout State Park will be a safe, clean, and well-maintained destination that offers enhanced access and immersive educational opportunities Through a thoughtfully designed interpretation system, visitors can learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, local landmarks, history, and natural resources, integrated with broader efforts along the Lewis and Clark Trail The surrounding vistas will preserve the breathtaking views William Clark experienced from the site, maintaining its rustic simplicity while ensuring visitor needs are met Overall, a visit to Clark’s Lookout State Park promises a rewarding and informative experience for all, celebrating both its natural beauty and historical significance.
Outcomes are the ultimate results or impacts of a project, program, or initiative on the target audience Ensuring all goals, strategies, and alternatives align with at least one key outcome is essential for effective planning and successful implementation Clearly defining outcomes helps measure success and demonstrates the value of the project to stakeholders.
1 Protection and enhancement of the resources
CLARK’S LOOKOUT MANAGEMENT PLAN OUTCOMES
Historical Significance
Clark's Lookout is a historically significant site linked to the exploration and settlement of the American West, particularly the achievements of the Lewis and Clark Expedition The expedition's success in mapping the Upper Missouri and Columbia River basins, finding a western route to the Pacific, documenting the region's resources, and establishing relations with Native tribes marked one of the most important national endeavors of the 19th century As a well-preserved landmark along the route, Clark's Lookout offers critical insights into the expedition’s activities and the region’s history With many Lewis and Clark sites lost due to natural erosion and modern development, preserving sites like Clark's Lookout is essential for understanding America’s exploration heritage and its role in shaping the nation.
Sites associated with the Lewis and Clark Expedition are historically significant due to their connections with the explorers and their vital contributions to understanding the American West Clark's Lookout is one of the few confirmed locations where William Clark personally observed and documented the landscape, underscoring its importance Renowned for his skills as a frontiersman and engineer, Clark played a crucial role in sketching maps and making observations that were incorporated into detailed cartographic records His precise route charting and magnetic compass bearings at Clark's Lookout demonstrate the accuracy and importance of his contributions to the expedition's success.
1 Eide, Henry Ingvard, The Journey of Lewis and Clark, (Rand McNally and Company,
Chicago, New York, San Francisco, 1969), p 4
3 Jackson, Donald, ed., Letters of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, (2 vols., Urbana,
1978) "Jefferson's instructions to Lewis." Vol 1, pp 61-62
4 Thwaites, Reuben G., ed., Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1804-
06, (Arno Press Edition, New York, 1969), 8 vols., vol II, p 260
5 Moulton, Gary E., ed The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, II vols., (Lincoln and London, University of Nebraska Press, Vol 4, p 428
10 Thwaites, op.cit., vol 8, Map #29-A
12 Bergantino, Bob, (Telephone interview on geographical locations along the Lewis and