View this natural, historic rock formation that Sacagawea, a guide traveling with the Lewis & Clark Expedition, recognized as resembling the head of a swimming beaver.
About the Park
Resembling the head of a swimming beaver, this natural landmark is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The site may be viewed and photographed from a distance, but is not directly accessible.
Sacagawea, a young Shoshone Indian guide traveling with the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, recognized this rock formation and knew that she may be in the vicinity of her relatives. The sighting gave the expedition hope that they may be able to find Native peoples from which to acquire horses for their trip across the mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
Meriwether Lewis, August 8, 1805 wrote:
"The Indian woman recognized the point of a high plain to our right which she informed us was not very distant from the summer retreat of her nation on a river beyond the mountains which runs to the west. This hill she says her nation calls the beaver's head from a conceived resemblance of its figure to the head of that animal. She assures us that we shall either find her people on this river or on the river immediately west of its source; which from its present size cannot be very distant."
Activities
Cultural
Heritage
History
Lewis And Clark
Photography
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
Pack-in/Pack-out
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Beaverhead Rock State Park.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Fees
Montana Residents
Day use entrance is free*
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
* Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Beaverhead Rock State Park
c/o Bannack State Park
4200 Bannack Rd
Dillon, MT 59725
Dale Carlson was born and raised in Edmore North Dakota. He currently manages Bannack, Clarkâs Lookout and Beaverhead Rock State Parks, and celebrated his 20-year anniversary with the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) in April, 2012. Dale has degrees in park and wildlife management, and science education, and has managed numerous parks throughout the state during his two decades with FWP.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
Bannack State Park
721 Bannack Rd
Dillon, MT 59725
