(GREAT FALLS) Montana State Parks is teaming up with City of Great Falls Park & Recreation to open Cochrane Dam for public crossing on Saturday, September 29, from 10am to 3pm in celebration of National Public Lands Day.
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks said in a Facebook post that this only happens a couple times each year, allowing people to ride, run, or walk across Cochrane Dam.
There are several ways to enjoy this event. You can access the dam from the Rainbow Trailhead at the end of Rainbow Dam Rd and take a leisurely 2.5-mile hike or bike ride along the River’s Edge Trail to the dam. Once there, relax on the dam and take in the views If you are a little more adventurous, take the single track from Rainbow Trailhead; medium difficulty and approximately 4 miles.
For a full-day adventure, park your vehicle on the South Shore trailhead, Lewis and Clark Overlook and take one of the many trails along the South Shore to Cochrane Dam (3.5 miles), cross it and then head to Rainbow Trailhead on the North Shore. Remember to set up a shuttle.
Cochrane Dam is owned by NorthWestern Energy.
