When you’re born and raised in Montana, you know that a day spent by the river is just as amazing as a day at the beach. Our rivers are so impressive, they inspired a book and movie (A River Runs Through It). And if you happen to be at the Jefferson River, you’ll be in the presence of living history, some of which goes back almost 3 billion years.

The geology of the Jefferson River and the surrounding mountains includes some of the oldest rocks found in North America.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_River#/media/File:JeffersonRiverCanyon.jpg
They date back about 2.7 billion years to the Archean Eon.
The Jefferson River and the Madison River form the official beginning of the Missouri at Three Forks' Missouri Headwaters State Park.
Jim W / TripAdvisor
The Jefferson is actually an 83-mile tributary of the Missouri River.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition visited the area in July of 1805.
Doc_Cody / TripAdvisor
In fact, they actually named the Jefferson (and the Madison and the Missouri).

Related Stories

The Hidden Beach In Montana With Clear Waters That Rival The Caribbean

The Hidden Beach In Montana With Clear Waters That Rival The Caribbean

 Dining On The Deck Of This Riverside Montana Restaurant Is Everything You Need Right Now

Dining On The Deck Of This Riverside Montana Restaurant Is Everything You Need Right Now

 Most People Don't Know This Lake In Montana Has Its Very Own Monster

Most People Don't Know This Lake In Montana Has Its Very Own Monster
These days, the Jefferson River Canoe Trail is a favorite pastime of outdoor enthusiasts.
Wikipedia
You'll see people canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and floating all summer.
The Jefferson River is also a popular summer swimming spot.
jcjb997 / TripAdvisor
The fishing here is hit or miss, with peak seasons being the pre-runoff spring and the early autumn shoulder season.
Archaeologists believe that the first people to discover this river were here about 30,000 years ago.
Wikipedia
Think about that the next time you visit Missouri Headwaters State Park.

If you’d like to spend some time enjoying the Jefferson River, check out the canoe trail or spend the day at Missouri Headwaters State Park. And if you’d rather spend time relaxing at the river than anything else, visit some of Montana’s most charming river towns.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Montana