The Oldest River In Montana Is A Beautiful Piece Of Living History

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.

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.

The Jefferson is actually an 83-mile tributary of the Missouri River.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition visited the area in July of 1805.

In fact, they actually named the Jefferson (and the Madison and the Missouri).

These days, the Jefferson River Canoe Trail is a favorite pastime of outdoor enthusiasts.

You'll see people canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and floating all summer.

The Jefferson River is also a popular summer swimming spot.

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.

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.