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Gates of the Mountains, Helena, MT

Photo: Montanabw, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

ToursOutdoor AdventureHistory BuffFamily Favorite

Gates of the Mountains

3131 Gates of the Mountains Rd · Helena, MT

Why you should go…

Gates of the Mountains is a canyon on the Missouri River north of Helena, named by Meriwether Lewis in 1805 for cliffs he judged to rise 1,200 feet from the water. Tour boats leave the marina for a cruise of about two hours between walls of gray Madison Limestone. Along the way you pass Mann Gulch, site of the 1949 fire that killed 13 smokejumpers, and pictographs painted on the rock. Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, eagles and otters may be spotted from the deck.

  • #boat tour
  • #missouri river
  • #lewis and clark
  • #canyon
  • #wildlife viewing

Good to know

General tours guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Confirm the meeting point

    It is often a corner, a lobby, or a dock rather than the address you searched for. Check it the night before.

  • Small groups fill first

    In high season the intimate departures sell out well before the big-bus options do.

  • Ask how much is on foot

    Knowing how much of the route is walking, standing, or outdoors tells you what to wear and carry.

  • Read the weather policy

    Cancellation windows and rain rules vary by operator, and they are easier to find before you pay than after.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Gates of the Mountains, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Montana's Yellowstone Country

    Free

    Regional tourism office promoting south central Montana's five counties and the northern gateways to Yellowstone National Park.

    17 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Montana State Capitol

    Free

    Tour the copper-domed statehouse and see Charles M. Russell's 25-foot Lewis and Clark painting in the House chamber.

    17 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

    Free

    Tour a working cattle ranch from the open-range era, with a historic ranch house, living history and walking trails.

    47 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Old Montana Prison Museum Complex

    Under $25

    Five museums inside a former territorial prison, covering Montana history, antique cars and vintage toys.

    48 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums