Canyon Creek East and Missouri River Canyon

When I decided to build a business, Moto-Montana Outfitters, I had no idea how much time it would take getting even a little project off the ground. For the past three weeks I've had my head buried in Insurance, Website content, purchasing bikes, merchandising... the business part of the venture. I'd almost forgotten about the riding part - the reason I started this enterprise to begin with. This week I was able to do some saddle-time recon.

After what seemed to be two months of solid rain, sunny days now dominate the weather. The Sun mixed with water makes everything fresh; I can't remember a greener spring. What better place to start a ride than the Canyon Creek Store, but this time head east:

Heading east following the Little Prickly Pear Creek from the Canyon Creek Store, Duffy Lane sprints across the flats, crosses a BNSF spur line and junctions with Chevallier Dr or Sieben Canyon Rd. The road, creek and railroad weave together through the canyon on its way to Wolf Creek and the Missouri River below the Holter Lake Dam. Sieben Canyon is an enjoyable ride with many places to pull off to camp, fish or picnic; locals bring their campers and motorbikes to enjoy the countryside for the weekend. The road is fairly short and ends near the Sieben Ranch at Interstate 15. I use this road as a short cut to avoid driving through Helena if I plan a ride north to Augusta or Great Falls. However, the best is yet to come.

The Bungalow B&B

To continue into the canyon, hop on I-15 North for a short leg and exit onto Recreation Road. This nice bit of tarmac was the main thoroughfare through this part of the canyon until I-15 was built and now joins the weave with the interstate, creek and railroad with more opportunities to stop and toss a line in to catch a fish. Shortly, you arrive at Wolf Creek, home to the Frenchman and Oasis Bar and a handful of fishing guides. Bed down at the Bungalow B&B, a quiet country home completed in 1913 for a local businessman; If you want something different, try the 7R Guest Ranch, located off of Hwy 434 on little Wolf Creek road. They have places to camp for motorcyclists or comfortable hotel rooms to get a nice evenings rest. The restaurant has a full bar, dance floor, and Karaoke for those crooning bikers.

Holter Lake

From Wolf Creek, the Recreation Road continues to follow the Missouri River, northeast towards Great Falls, past Holter Lake and near the fishing village of Craig; this area of Montana flourishes during this time of year as Anglers flock into the canyon with drift boats and rafts for some of the best fishing around. The beauty of this canyon is not only in waters that flow though it, but in the steep basaltic rock faces that guide the river into the plains. Even on cold, wet days the canyon seems to emit a mystical quality. Keep on the lookout for Bighorn Sheep traversing the cliffs above.

The Hardy Bridge

As the canyon narrows, the Hardy Bridge spans the Missouri which was made famous by the Brian De Palma Film, The Untouchables. Just past the bridge is the Missouri Inn, a great place to relax and have lunch. Try their hand breaded Fish and Chips. Yum!

Tower Rock State Park

At the northern entrance of the canyon is Tower Rock State Park, this was where Lewis and Clark first encountered the mountains for which they would have to cross in 1805. Retrace Lewis's steps up to the top of Tower Rock and look out to the plains; imagine the trepidation leaving the prairie that had been their home for over a year and entering the treacherous mountains beyond. 

Recreation Road makes a great "out and back" ride from Helena, backtracking through the canyon gives you a second chance to see its beauty from another perspective. As the afternoon sun dips below the ridges, the canyon colors and shadows contrast with one another and makes for spectacular photography. If you ride through Montana, be sure to put this route on your agenda.