Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
🏆 Montana’s First State Park — Spectacular Limestone Caverns in the Jefferson River Valley — Updated for 2026 with cave tour schedules, camping reservations, trail conditions, and visitor center info
The guide’s flashlight sweeps across a forest of stone — stalactites hanging like frozen chandelier, stalagmites rising from the cave floor, and formations so ornate they look sculpted by an artist with a few million years of patience. The air is 50°F year-round, the humidity is over 90%, and the cave is doing what it’s been doing for millions of years: growing, dripping, creating. This is Lewis and Clark Caverns, one of the largest and most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest, and Montana’s very first state park.
Located in the Jefferson River Valley east of Whitehall, Montana, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park encompasses 3,000+ acres of mountain terrain above the cave system. The caverns are accessible only by guided tour, offered May through September, and feature spectacular formations including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, helictites, and flowstone ribbons. Above ground, the park offers 10 miles of hiking trails, a modern campground with cabins and a tipi, and sweeping views of the Tobacco Root Mountains.
What Makes Lewis and Clark Caverns Special
Spectacular Cave Formations
Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, helictites, and flowstone ribbons — among the most decorated caves in the Northwest.
Montana’s First State Park
3,000+ acres with 10 miles of trails, mountain views, and a campground at the base of the caverns.
Two Tour Options
Classic Tour (strenuous, 2 hrs) through twisting passages, or Paradise Tour (accessible, 1.5 hrs) to the largest rooms.
Campground & Cabins
40 campsites, 3 cabins, a tipi, and a wall tent — camp at the base and wake to mountain views.
Cave Tours
| Tour | Duration | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏔️ Classic Tour | 2 hours | 2 miles | Strenuous | 300 ft elevation gain, 100+ stairs up, 500+ down. Twisting passages. Cathedral Room, Garden of the Gods |
| 💎 Paradise Tour | 1.5 hours | 1 mile | Easy-Moderate | ~15 stairs. Mostly level. Largest, most decorated rooms. Accessible for families |
| 🕯️ Candlelight Tour | Special | Varies | Moderate | Limited December tours by candlelight. Atmospheric and unforgettable |
📢 Tour Tips
• Season: May 1 – September 30 (Candlelight tours in December) • Temperature: 50°F inside — bring a light jacket • Reservations: Book tour tickets in advance, especially peak summer • No pets, strollers, backpacks, or purses inside the cave • Classic Tour: Not recommended for children under 5 — involves bending, stooping, and sliding through passages
Hiking Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Nature Loop | 0.25 mi | Easy | Short flora walk. Good for families |
| 🎣 Fishing Access Trail | 1.3 mi | Easy | Jefferson River walk. Scenic and peaceful |
| 🏔️ Greer Gulch Loop | 2.0 mi | Moderate | Tobacco Root Mountain views. Excellent for photography |
| ⛏️ Danmore Gypsum Mine | 2.0 mi RT | Moderate | Historic mine. Geological insights |
| 🕳️ Cave Gulch Trail | 1.9 mi | Strenuous | 1,000 ft elevation gain. Campground to Cave Visitor Center |
Photography Guide
📸 Best Photo Spots & Tips
• Inside the caves: Tripod not allowed. Use a high-ISO camera with image stabilization. The formations are extraordinary subjects in the guide’s lighting.
• Jefferson River Valley (morning/sunset): The campground area offers sweeping views of the valley and Tobacco Root Mountains — gorgeous in golden hour light.
• Cave Gulch Trail views: The strenuous climb rewards with panoramic mountain views above the tree line.
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Aug | 75-90°F | 🏆 All cave tours operating. Full hiking. All facilities open |
| 🌸 Spring/Fall | May, Sep | 50-70°F | Cave tours available. Fewer crowds. Cool hiking weather |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec | 10-30°F | Limited candlelight cave tours. Camping year-round but without water |
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 40 campsites with various options |
| 🏡 Cabins | 3 cabins, 1 wall tent, 1 tipi — reserve online |
| 🚿 Amenities | Showers, restrooms, dump station (seasonal water May–Sep) |
| 🚴 Hiker/Biker | First-come, first-served sites for through-travelers |
| 📅 Season | Year-round (limited amenities in winter) |
Budget Calculator
| Expense | Day Trip | Camping Weekend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entry | $8/vehicle | $8/vehicle | Montana state park day-use fee |
| Cave Tour | $12-15/adult | $12-15/adult | Classic or Paradise Tour. Reserve ahead |
| Camping (2 nights) | — | $30-50 | Standard sites. Cabins $60-80/night |
| Total (2 adults) | $32-$38 | $65-$130 | Outstanding value for a cave+camping experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cave tour should I take?
Classic Tour for fit adults who want the full experience — you’ll squeeze through passages and climb 500+ stairs. Paradise Tour for families, young children, or anyone wanting an easier experience in the most decorated rooms.
How cold is it in the cave?
50°F year-round with over 90% humidity. Bring a light jacket even in summer. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip.
Do I need reservations?
Strongly recommended for cave tours, especially in July-August. Book online through the Montana State Parks reservation system.
Are dogs allowed in the cave?
No — pets, strollers, backpacks, and purses are not allowed inside the caverns. Kennels may be available at the visitor center.
What’s the connection to Lewis and Clark?
The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through this valley in 1805. The caverns are named in their honor, though the explorers didn’t discover the cave itself.
Can I camp and do a cave tour on the same trip?
Absolutely — it’s the ideal combination. Camp at the base, hike or drive to the Cave Visitor Center, take your tour, and explore the trails afterward.
What’s nearby?
Virginia City and Nevada City (ghost towns), Yellowstone National Park (90 miles), and the historic mining towns of Butte and Philipsburg are all within day-trip distance.
🕳️ Montana’s Underground Cathedral
The surface of Montana is famous — mountains, rivers, big sky. But beneath the surface of the Jefferson River Valley lies a world that took millions of years to build: rooms of stone hung with chandeliers of calcite, passages where you slide through geology in real time, and formations so elaborate they make the finest architecture look rushed. Lewis and Clark Caverns is Montana’s first state park for a reason — it was the first place in the state that made people say, “We have to protect this.” Take the tour. Camp under the big sky. Wake up to the Tobacco Root Mountains. This is the Montana you can’t see from the highway.
📍 Address: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Rd, Whitehall, MT 59759
📞 Phone: (406) 287-3541
