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Details

Distance

3.32 miles

Elevation Gain

278 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jen Weir

Why is this adventure awesome? Because it's secluded, beautiful and it was (very likely) the reason Lewis and Clark made it to the Pacific... 

You can find the Sulphur Springs trailhead near the Morony Dam and Reservoir. There's a graveled parking lot, an outhouse and an informative story board to quell your curiosity. 

For your convenience, I'll give you a Reader's Digest version of the history of this specific area. As we all know, Lewis and Clark relied heavily on Sacagawea. Well, the BA lady wound up really sick. After a week of being deathly ill, the expedition finally arrived at a sulphur springs along the Missouri River. In hopes of saving his lifeline to the west, Lewis administered a sulphur tonic to Sacagawea and she made a full recovery. 

The sulphur springs and pool that saved Sacagawea are still there today and mark the turnaround point for the Sulphur Springs trail. The trail itself is a graveled single-track and is very easy to follow.

The trail begins at the parking lot and splits at about 0.06 miles; stay to the left. Taking a right will only take you to another plaque that looks over the river. 

Follow the trail as it winds through prairie grass and maneuvers over a few rolling hills. A few interpretive plaques offer additional historical information as you make your way to the sulphur springs. You can smell them before you see them and, although they're not much to look at, standing on the edge of the springs makes you feel just a little insignificant in the scope of things.

The hike is fairly short and relatively easy, making a great family outing if you have little ones. However, be on alert for snakes when the weather is warm. If you feel like it, cast a few lines downstream from the dam -- I hear the fishing isn't all that bad. 

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Features

Fitness
Chillin
Fishing
Photography
Running
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
River
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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