Day 11 - (07/29) Great Falls, MT

This was another great day for driving. The morning was cool (68 degrees) and breezy. The temperature made it to 88 degrees by late afternoon.

We took the scenic route along US-89N to Great Falls. We crossed the Yellowstone River for the last time and travelled through beautiful open plains with mountains on both sides (Bridger Range to the west and Crazy Mountains to the east).

Crazy Mountains near Livingston

Bridger Range near Livingston

Some history from farther along on US-89

Big Belt Mountains

We stopped for lunch at Dori’s Cafe in White Sulphur Springs. The meal was OK. The displays of Coke memorabilia and stuffed animals on the walls were eye-catching. This is a sleepy western town and the café fit the image very nicely.

A bright spot in White Sulphur Springs

Dori's Cafe

Where's the moose?

These guys watched everything we ate.

A good wash job won't help this Airstream much

Kings Hill Pass provided the high point of the trip with an elevation of 7,393 ft.

Kings Hill Pass


The road then drifted down through the forest along Belt Creek.

Belt Creek

We passed Sluice Boxes State Park as we approached rolling prairie on the outskirts of Great Falls.

Sluice Boxes State Park

We arrived in Great Falls to the news that campgrounds were going to be full for the weekend due to the Montana State Fair. We found space for one night at Dick’s RV Park … yep, Dick’s. It’s OK, but nothing special.

The check engine light in the TrailBlazer came on when we arrived at the RV Park. We were able to find a very helpful mechanic who diagnosed an ignition switch problem. We’re having it replaced tomorrow morning. We’re grateful that the fix can be completed before we head into Canada.

We stopped by the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center on the way back to the campground. The National Park Service has created a wonderful site here. The staff, facilities and displays are as good as any we’ve seen. We could have stayed for days, but in just an hour we were able to grasp the significance of the Lewis and Clark expedition ... what a monumental undertaking!

Map Tracks
Start: Livingston, Montana
North on US-89 to Great Falls, Montana
End: 176 miles @ Great Falls, Montana