Paddle to Otter Landing
New Campsite on the Jefferson River Canoe Trail
Twenty-seven paddlers floated down Montana's Jefferson River in nine canoes and seven kayaks to visit the newest public campsite on the river on Saturday May 3rd.
Members of the Jefferson River Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance conducted a two-month fundraising campaign over the winter and purchased the 4.43-acre parcel sight-unseen in January. This was the first opportunity for group members to see the new campsite.
"Saving open lands is a sacred mission, said chapter member Michael Enk of Great Falls. "Once it's gone it's gone forever."
The property was acquired by the chapter to improve public camping and recreation opportunities along the Jefferson River Canoe Trail portion of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The water trail now includes four campsites on BLM land, two campsites on state lands, and three campsites on properties purchased for the public by the Jefferson River Chapter.
The group named the campsite Otter Landing, noting that Meriwether Lewis reported seeing vast numbers of beaver and otter as they ascended the Jefferson River from Willow Creek to Antelope Creek on July 31, 1805.
Otter Landing is located two miles upstream from Sappington Bridge with public access available only from the river. Magris Talc Plant is nearby, but out-of-sight from the property.
"Otter landing is going to make a great campsite; it's beautiful," said Jefferson River Chapter secretary Jack Batsel from Butte, "Good views all around. I don't see a single building!"
The parcel is part of the abandoned right of way of the old Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Pacific Railroad, which went bankrupt and dissolved in the 1980s. The Jefferson originally hooked south of the parcel, making a sharp bend against the hill, which would have necessitated spanning the river twice. The railroad company eliminated the need for the bridges by cutting a new river channel north of the property, using the excavated earth to form the roadbed across the old channel, explained Tom Elpel of Pony, president of the Jefferson River Chapter.
"The old river bed adds nearly eight acres of de facto public land around Otter Landing, giving us twelve acres for the price of four," Elpel said. "There is also potential access to 160 acres of state land across the BNSF spur line to Harrison," he added, "totaling 172 acres to hike and explore while camping at Otter Landing."
Elpel emphasized that property boundaries are not marked, and it is important to use accurate maps to stay on public land and respect adjacent private ranch lands.
"Otter landing is in a verdant bowl," said Sally Schendel of Silver Star. "It's a gentle landscape welcoming to all."
The group paddled from Limespur Fishing Access Site to Sappington Bridge, stopping along the way to tour two campsites on BLM lands within the Jefferson River Canyon.
"Being on a trip down the river makes me appreciate public lands so much," said Susan Hillstrom of Great Falls.
"It was a nice, gentle float with bald eagles overhead and beautiful scenery," said Paulette Hardy of Sheridan.
The event was not without incident, however, as a paddler slipped on a grassy bank and broke her ankle, necessitating emergency evacuation. As an X-ray technician by profession, the individual knew exactly which bones were broken. With the aid of nurses and emergency personnel in the group, the ankle was efficiently splinted and the patient paddled out to a nearby road to meet the ambulance.
"We are immensely grateful for emergency services coming out from Willow Creek to facilitate the evacuation," Elpel said.
After Saturday's float, Elpel returned the following day with long-time supporter and former board member Dr. Warren Swager and friend Rick Tilstra of Sheridan to install an interpretive sign at the new campsite. Sheridan artist Susan Jarman produced the otter-themed painting for the sign.
There are no facilities at Otter Landing, and the public is encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the site beautiful for all visitors.
Of the nine campsites on the Jefferson River Canoe Trail, seven are located downstream from Cardwell, and two are located near Waterloo. Members of the Jefferson River Chapter hope to acquire additional properties for public campsites along the upper river between Twin Bridges and Silver Star as well as between Whitehall and Cardwell.
"Each parcel we acquire enhances public camping and recreation opportunities for future generations while permanently protecting the riverfront from housing developments," Elpel said. "Nobody wants to see the Jefferson River turned into a channel lined with houses."
For membership, maps, brochures, and other information about the Jefferson River Canoe Trail and the Jefferson River Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance, go to JeffersonRiver.org.
This article was published in the Three Forks Voice and the Whitehall Ledger.
