MISSOURI HEADWATERS STATE PARK to YORK ISLANDS
June 4th (Day 2)
 
  • On the water at 8:30 am
  • Tolston Dam crew change (1:35 pm; 21.8 mi./35.2 km)
  • Used canoe trailer to portage around dam.
  • Took out and camped at York Islands (3:10 pm; 15.0 mi./24.2 km.)
  • Total distance: 37.5 mi./60.5 km
  • Primitive camp (no water or electricity)
  • Lewis and Clark camped here in 1805

Just a short walk to the Madison River put-in


And less than a tenth of a mile to the headwaters of the Missouri

Second day's paddle


"Who are you?" said the pelican to the cormorant
The current was fast flowing from the start, and as is common in this part of the country, the railroad followed the river in several places. We canoed through a variety of terrains...lush green vegetation near the shore with more arid, rocky regions away from and beyond the river's edge.
 
 
Lots of wildlife today...cormorants, pelicans, herons, sea gulls, osprey and turtles. But the highlights of the day were a young deer swimming across the river and the aerial show put on by pelicans as we neared York Islands. We used the canoe trailer to portage around Tolston Dam. Most of us walked the 0.7 mi./1.1 km to the put-in.
For the second night in a row, we camped at a place where Lewis and Clark camped on July 24, 1805. York Island is a Montana state operated semi-primitive camping area; pit toilet but no water or electricity. There was plenty of room for tents, but you did have to work to find relative level, smooth ground.

York Island was named after a black slave owned by Captain Clark. York was a highly respected member of the Corp of Discovery, voted on some decisions and upon the return of the Corp, he requested his freedom which he eventually received.

York Island campground
The midafernoon arrival at camp gave all the chance to relax, swim or explore the area. We were also entertained by three baby magpies that were trying to get enough nerve to leave the nest for the first time. One managed to get to a branch part way down the tree. Master Chefs Bob and Wayne cooked an excellent chili dinner.
Day's Coordinates
Putin Missouri Headwaters State Park; Madison River N 45 55.563 W 111 30.223
Crew Change Tolston Dam takeout N 46 07.345 W 111 24.589
Crew Change Tolston Dam putin N 46 07.295 W 111 23.910
Takeout and campsite York Islands N 46 15.962 W 111 29.568
 
Introduction, The Crew, June 2, June 3, June 4, June 5, June 6, June 7, June 8, June 9, June 10, June 11, June 12, June 13

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