Saturday May 27, 2000 - Missoula to Helena

After returning to the train, we resumed the ride from Missoula to Helena, continuing at first along the Clark Fork River. During lunch, we passed through Goldcreek, site of the first gold discovery in Montana. We also passed the site of the golden spike - the last spike driven in the Northern Pacific Railroad near Garrison.

After Garrison, the train follows the Montana Rail Link line along the Little Blackfoot River as far as Elliston, then passes through a series of gulches taking a zig-zaggy route through the Austin/Mullen Pass to Helena.

We went over several trestles as we passed over the Continental Divide at Mullan Pass before descending into Helena.