North Shore Trail - River's Edge

Today is the first post in a new journal of our adventures with kids across Montana's beautiful places.  I have been blogging for quite some time and have hit a bit of a dry spell...mostly I was wondering "who cares." Who cares what we are doing.  Tony and I had this idea that we could share the cool places we try to see with our kids, and hopefully encourage more people like us, people who love the outdoors but have the reality of life to deal with, "Get Lost" in Montana.

Last weekend we visited part of the River's Edge Trail called North Shore Trail.  I can remember this trail being around for quite some time.  However, the Rivers Edge Trail has updated the trail head, markers, and route even in the last year.  

You start out right above Ryan Dam and head in one of three directions.  You can take the loop either North or South.  The South route has an upper or lower segment.  The lower segment takes you along the bottom of the rock formations while the upper segment gets you right onto the rock formations that are so fun to explore.

This is an easy hike.  Nowhere did we hit any elevation gain or anything that caused too much grumbling from the troops.  

The day we went out was fairly windy, as you can imagine it can be along the Missouri River, but it was plenty warm once we got going.  I ended up being the coat Sherpa before we even hit a half mile.  

There were two majestic bald eagles checking us out along the entire route.  Their giant wings coasting with the wind were a fantastic sight to behold.  

 The view of the Highwood Mountains is comforting for this Great Falls girl even though they are quite obstructed by random power lines bringing utilities to ranches.

We all enjoyed the Hoodoos...who can resist standing on top of one of these cool formations or peeking through some random hole created by Mother Nature.

 Eventually, after our exploring was worn thin we decided we better beat feet if we were going to get the loop done in our short time frame.

 All the girls involved wanted to reach the "Dry Waterfall" but we had only made it half way there, 1/4 way through the entire loop, in an hour.  We had one kiddo that needed to be home before too long so the real hike began in earnest.

 So we made it to the overlook of the Dry Waterfall...I'm not showing a picture because we didn't make it...we saved it for another day.  The mud got pretty mucky and we turned back before our hikers got too discouraged.  As Tony said, "It's ok to not make it...it gives us something to come back and see next time."

 Besides, we were taking a large chunk out of the trail back with us as it was!

 I can still hear the giggles as they were slogging through the mud.  It made me laugh how they were all holding up their pants as their shoes were sunk in up to the brims.

 This old car has been target practice for some time but I think it could have been a beauty in it's prime.

 The Rivers Edge North Shore Loop was just over 3 miles.  Next time I'll make sure my GPS is on and tracking a trail for you to see.  Sherpa Mama was able to devise a backpack out of the two dog leashes but I will bring a real one next time.  I'd advise bringing water and plan for extra time to explore the rock formations.

This is an easy trip for kids of all ages.  You don't have to do the entire loop to see some of the Missouri River's unique rock formations.  I imagine there might be some rattlesnakes in the summer so be prepared!  Happy Trails!  Enjoy.

all photos ©Tony Bynum