MONTANA PARK OF THE WEEK Pirogue Island State Park

Pirogue Island State Park is 500 miles from where the Yellowstone River begins south of Yellowstone National Park and 170 miles from where it ends near Williston, North Dakota. Situated between Billings and Miles City, it has a hidden history.

In addition to extensive hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing, the island is a possible site where the Corps of Discovery and Capt. Clark camped in 1806 on the return voyage of their famous expedition.

It is widely believed that on July 29, 1806, Captain William Clark, and his men, Sacagawea, and her baby, camped on Pirogue Island on their way back east.

The day was windy, with storms from the night prior creating lots of mud along the river’s edge. It slowed their journey considerably. Due to the lack of clear water along the banks, they headed to the island. They found all manner of wildlife and hunted several to feed the crew, preserving their skeletons to show the others back east.

A local treasure with a wide variety of bird species, including Passerines, belted kingfishers, shorebirds, waterfowl, and bald eagles, as well as both whitetail and mule deer, the island is an excellent location for wildlife viewing.

The island also boasts prominent plant life with more than 140 species, including a healthy population of cottonwood trees, peach-leaf willow, green ash, and red-osier dogwood.

For visitors who enjoy hiking, Pirogue Island features 2.8 miles of designated hiking trails with interpretive signs offering insights into the history and wildlife of the island.

Are you looking for more than 2.8 miles? You’re in luck! As a very level site, visitors will find an easy walk throughout the 269 acres, and when the water isn’t flowing, visitors can take a walk along the tree-shaded side channels and wade through the pools of water that form during hot weather.

An isolated, cottonwood-covered island located on the Yellowstone River, Pirogue Island State Park is an excellent location for enjoying Montana’s natural beauty.

While wading through channels of the Yellowstone River is the most popular way to get to Pirogue Island, others stop by as they float down the river.

PARK: Day use only; open year-round, 7 AM to 10 PM. Mid-August to early April is the best time to cross the channel and reach the island.

LOCATION: Miles City, MT 59301. Travel north on 59N to Kinsey Rd/Hwy 489. Turn right and follow for 2 miles to the turnoff for Pirogue Island State Park. Parking and amenities are at the end of the road.